Five Black Axe figures face US fraud case

Five alleged leaders of the Cape Town branch of the Black Axe network have been extradited from South Africa to face fraud and money laundering charges in a U.S. federal court. Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, Osariemen Eric Clement, Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, and Musa Mudashiru all appeared for initial appearances and arraignments on September 14 before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey filed a superseding indictment on September 14, alleging the five men conspired to commit wire fraud and money laundering between 2011 and 2021. Prosecutors say the suspects operated romance scams and advance-fee schemes, using social media, online dating platforms, and internet-based telephone services to contact victims in the U.S. under false identities.

Victims were told they were in genuine relationships and asked to send money or other valuables overseas. Some victims were pressured with threats to distribute sensitive photographs if they did not comply. Funds allegedly moved through bank accounts belonging to victims or others with U.S. financial accounts. South Africa's Hawks said six Nigerian nationals were extradited on September 11 in an operation conducted with Interpol South Africa.