Six Men Who Allegedly Conned More Than 100 American Women Out of $6 Million Through Romance Scams Are Being Flown to the US to Face Charges
by Chrissy Stockton · Thought CatalogUpdated 1 minute ago, September 11, 2026
Six men accused of defrauding more than 100 American women out of roughly $6 million through romance scams are being extradited to the United States to face charges, prosecutors say.
According to prosecutors, the alleged scheme relied on sophisticated online relationships to build trust with victims before the defendants asked them for money. Some of those targeted were pensioners and businesspeople.
The defendants face wire fraud and money laundering charges after South African authorities arranged their handover to the FBI and U.S. Secret Service at Cape Town International Airport on Sept. 11.
All six are Nigerian nationals who were arrested in South Africa in 2021. Authorities allege they are members of Black Axe, an organized crime network linked to cyber fraud.
The case comes amid heavy losses from romance scams across the United States. The FBI recorded about 59,000 victims and more than $672 million in losses during 2024 alone.
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