Five Nigerian nationals extradited from South Africa to the United States on September 11 are facing serious charges of wire fraud and money laundering, with potential combined sentences of up to 100 years in prison if convicted.
The men are set to appear before US District Judge Michael Shipp at the Trenton federal court, according to a Monday statement from the US Department of Justice.
PUNCH Metro previously reported that the suspects were extradited following allegations of defrauding American women of over $6 million through online romance scams. The five were arrested in Cape Town in 2021 at the request of US authorities.
US Attorney Robert Frazer identified the defendants as Perry Osagiede, 57; Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, 42; Osariemen Eric Clement, 40; Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, 42; and Musa Mudashiru, 38. A superseding indictment charges them with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, related to activities allegedly carried out from 2011 to 2021.
Additionally, Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede, and Clement face separate wire fraud charges, while Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede, and Otughwor have also been charged with aggravated identity theft.
According to Frazer, the five men were leaders of Black Axe, an organisation headquartered in Benin City, Nigeria, with a global presence. The group reportedly operates in regional chapters called “zones,” with the defendants leading the Cape Town Zone in South Africa. Frazer stated that Perry Osagiede founded the Cape Town Zone and served as its head. The group is accused of coordinating and participating in various fraud schemes.
From at least 2011 through 2021, the Black Axe defendants and their associates allegedly orchestrated extensive internet fraud from Cape Town, targeting victims in the US with romance scams and advance-fee schemes.
The suspects are accused of using social media, online dating platforms, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) numbers to contact victims under false identities. Victims believed they were in genuine romantic relationships and sent money and valuables abroad, including to South Africa.
Frazer further alleged that, at times, the conspirators threatened to release sensitive photographs to pressure victims into sending money. The group allegedly laundered proceeds using US-based bank accounts and business entities to conceal the origins of the funds, which included money from business email compromise schemes, romance scams, and advance-fee fraud.
Each count of wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The money laundering conspiracy charge carries a maximum of 20 years and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the involved property, whichever is greater. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year sentence, to be served consecutively to any other term.
The DOJ emphasised that the charges are only allegations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
