Five alleged leaders of the Black Axe criminal network have been extradited from South Africa to the United States to face charges connected to years of online fraud targeting American victims.
The defendants are Perry Osagiede, 57, Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, 42, Osariemen Eric Clement, 40, Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, 42, and Musa Mudashiru, 38. All are originally from Nigeria and are accused of holding leadership positions in the Cape Town branch of Black Axe.
U.S. prosecutors allege that the group operated widespread romance and advance-fee scams between 2011 and 2021.
Victims were approached through social media platforms and online dating websites, while the alleged scammers used false identities and internet-based phone numbers to communicate with them. In romance scams, targets were led to believe they had developed genuine relationships with the people behind the fake profiles.
The schemes frequently involved fabricated stories about someone traveling to South Africa for work and suddenly needing financial assistance because of an unexpected problem. Prosecutors say some of the stories involved construction projects and problems with equipment such as cranes.
Once trust had been established, victims were persuaded to send money or other valuables overseas. In some cases, prosecutors allege that people who became reluctant to continue paying were threatened with the release of sensitive photographs.
The defendants are also accused of using U.S. bank accounts to move proceeds to South Africa. Some victims were allegedly convinced to open financial accounts that could then be controlled or used by members of the scheme.
Authorities say the network did not only process money generated through romance and advance-fee scams. The defendants allegedly helped launder proceeds from business email compromise attacks as well.
Businesses were also used to disguise the source and nature of the money, according to prosecutors.
All five defendants face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede and Clement are additionally charged with wire fraud. Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede and Otughwor also face aggravated identity theft charges.
Wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy each carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. Money laundering conspiracy can also result in up to 20 years in prison, while aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory consecutive two-year sentence if a defendant is convicted.
The five men were arrested in South Africa in 2021 following a U.S. request. After a lengthy extradition process, they were transferred to American custody on September 11, 2026.
They appeared in federal court in Trenton, New Jersey, following their extradition. The case is part of a years-long investigation involving U.S. and South African authorities, including the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, South Africa’s Hawks, and Interpol.