Five suspected leaders of the Black Axe cybercrime syndicate have been extradited from South Africa to the United States to face wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft charges, according to federal prosecutors.
Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede, Osariemen Clement, Collins Otughwor, and Musa Mudashiru are accused of coordinating an internet fraud scheme from Cape Town between 2011 and 2021. Prosecutors say the group used fake identities, social media, online dating platforms, and VoIP phone numbers to build fabricated romantic relationships with victims in the United States, then convinced them to send money. When victims balked, prosecutors allege the defendants turned to coercion, including threats to publish sensitive photos online.
The five were originally arrested in South Africa in 2021 at the request of US authorities and were formally extradited on September 11, 2026. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud, up to 20 years for money laundering, and an additional two years for aggravated identity theft.
A global crackdown on Black Axe
“Black Axe is a notoriously violent transnational criminal organization that also happens to dabble in romance scams to make money,” said FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, noting the reach of the joint investigation into South Africa.
The extraditions follow a broader international effort against the group. Last month, law enforcement from 22 countries carried out “Operation Jackal IV,” arresting 58 individuals and identifying 263 suspects tied to cybercrime networks coordinated by African crime groups with links to Black Axe. Separately, Spanish authorities arrested 34 suspects believed to be connected to the same criminal network.
Founded in Nigeria in 1977, Black Axe is considered one of the most extensive and dangerous transnational crime syndicates operating today, with an estimated network of 30,000 registered members and a wide base of money mules and facilitators used to move stolen funds internationally.
The case adds to a growing list of US prosecutions targeting the group. In January 2024, Black Axe member Olugbenga Lawal was sentenced to ten years in prison for laundering millions of dollars stolen from elderly Americans through internet fraud schemes.
For security teams and consumers alike, the case underscores the continued threat posed by romance scams and advance fee fraud, which remain among the most financially damaging forms of social engineering targeting individuals in the United States.