Six Nigerian nationals accused of being involved in an online romance scam operation worth more than R100 million are set to be extradited from South Africa to the United States.
According to IOL, the Hawks confirmed that the six men are wanted by US authorities on charges linked to wire fraud and money laundering.
They are alleged to be members of the Black Axe organised criminal network.
More than 100 women allegedly targeted
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the suspects allegedly targeted more than 100 women in the United States.
The alleged victims reportedly included pensioners and businesspeople.
Authorities claim the men used online romantic relationships to gain victims’ trust before defrauding them of money.
The total alleged losses are estimated at more than R100 million.
The allegations have not yet been tested in a US court.
Arrested in South Africa in 2021
The six men were arrested in South Africa in 2021 during a major Hawks operation.
They have remained in custody while extradition proceedings were handled.
Mogale said the Hawks and INTERPOL South Africa would oversee their transfer from a Cape Town correctional facility to Cape Town International Airport.
They are expected to be handed over to officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service.
Handover set for Cape Town
US officials arrived in South Africa ahead of the planned extradition.
The formal handover was expected to take place on Friday afternoon.
Mogale said the operation reflected ongoing cooperation between South African and international law enforcement agencies.
She said the extradition was part of broader efforts to disrupt transnational organised crime and ensure that suspects wanted in other countries face legal proceedings.
The six men are expected to be taken to the US to face the charges against them.