Five alleged leaders of the Black Axe cybercrime syndicate, known for its involvement in global-scale cyber-enabled financial fraud, have been extradited to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges.
Defendants Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede, Osariemen Clement, Collins Otughwor, and Musa Mudashiru have been indicted for coordinating a large-scale internet fraud campaign from 2011 to 2021 that involved advance fee schemes and romance scams.
The five accomplices allegedly used multiple aliases, social media and online dating websites, and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone numbers to talk to victims in the United States and trick them into sending money after making them believe they were in a romantic relationship.
When their targets refused to send them money, they coerced them into making the payments using various manipulation tactics, including threats of publishing sensitive photos of the victim online.
"Black Axe is a notoriously violent transnational criminal organization that also happens to dabble in romance scams to make money," FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy said.
"The ability of FBI Newark and our partner agencies to reach into South Africa illustrates our resolve to hold accountable any and every type of fraudster who preys on innocent victims here in the United States."