Five Alleged Black Axe Leaders Extradited to U.S. on Fraud Charges
Summary
Five alleged leaders of Black Axe’s South African wing were extradited to the U.S. to face charges tied to romance and advance-fee scams, identity theft and money laundering.
Key points
- The five defendants were extradited from South Africa; they had been arrested there in 2021.
- Prosecutors allege the group ran romance and advance-fee scams from at least 2011, using fake identities to pose as love interests, relatives, friends or business partners.
- Prosecutors say co-conspirators used business entities and access to some victims’ financial accounts to conceal funds obtained from other victims.
- Officials also allege that some members threatened to distribute victims’ sensitive photos when they hesitated to send money.
- All five face conspiracy charges related to wire fraud and money laundering; additional charges vary by defendant. The combined charges carry up to 62 years in prison.
- The extradition comes amid international law-enforcement actions targeting Black Axe and associated criminal activity.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Extradition and criminal prosecution
- Impact
- Five alleged leaders of Black Axe’s South African wing were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering; some also face wire fraud or aggravated identity theft charges. Prosecutors allege the defendants used romance and advance-fee scams, fake identities, threats, and victims’ financial accounts to obtain and conceal funds. The combined charges carry up to 62 years in prison.
People
Collins Owhofasa OtughworIdentified as the Cape Town Zone’s “chief eye”; charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering and aggravated identity theft.Craig MarechU.S. Secret Service Newark field office special agent in charge; commented on the investigation and extradition.Franklyn Edosa OsagiedeIdentified as the Cape Town Zone’s “chief ihaza”; charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.Musa MudashiruIdentified as one of Black Axe’s “assistant butchers” and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.Osariemen Eric ClementIdentified as the Cape Town Zone’s “assistant eye of the zone”; charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering and wire fraud.Perry OsagiedeIdentified as founder and leader of Black Axe’s Cape Town Zone; charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.Stefanie RoddyFBI Newark field office special agent in charge; commented on the extradition and investigation.
Threat Actors
Countries
NigeriaOfficials accuse the five people, all originally from Nigeria, of running romance scams and advance fee scams from at least 2011 until they were all arrested in South Africa in 2021.South AfricaFive alleged Black Axe leaders were extradited from South Africa to the United States.SpainAuthorities arrested 34 alleged cybercriminals in Spain, including some Black Axe leaders, for adversary-in-the-middle scams such as business email compromise, money laundering and vehicle trafficking in January.United StatesFive alleged leaders of Black Axe’s South African wing were extradited to the United States to face wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft charges tied to romance scams and advance fee scams.