Five Nigerians extradited from South Africa to the United States on September 11 over alleged wire fraud and money laundering could face a combined maximum of up to 100 years in prison if convicted.
The US Department of Justice said the men were due before US District Judge Michael Shipp at the Trenton federal court. They were arrested in Cape Town in 2021 after US authorities requested their arrest.
US Attorney Robert Frazer named them as Perry Osagiede, 57; Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, 42; Osariemen Eric Clement, 40; Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, 42; and Musa Mudashiru, 38.
They face charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy linked to alleged activities from 2011 to 2021. Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede and Clement also face wire fraud charges, while Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede and Otughwor face aggravated identity theft charges.
Frazer said the men were leaders of Black Axe, an organisation headquartered in Benin City, Nigeria, with operations in several countries. He said its regional chapters were called “zones” and the suspects led its Cape Town Zone.
“From at least 2011 through 2021, the Black Axe defendants and other conspirators worked together from Cape Town to engage in widespread internet fraud involving romance scams and advance-fee schemes,” he said.
The DOJ alleged that victims were targeted through social media, dating platforms and VoIP numbers. The suspects allegedly used fake identities to build romantic relationships, obtain money and valuables, threaten victims over sensitive photos, and move funds to South Africa.
The DOJ said the group also allegedly laundered proceeds from business email compromise, romance scams and advance-fee fraud.
Wire fraud and money laundering charges each carry up to 20 years in prison, while aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year consecutive term. The wire fraud-related fines can reach $250,000, while money laundering fines can reach $500,000 or twice the property value, whichever is greater.
The DOJ stressed that the charges are allegations and the defendants remain presumed innocent.
“The charges and allegations contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” Frazer said.
