Five Alleged Black Ax Leaders Extradited to US Over Romance Scams and Wire Fraud
Five alleged leaders of Black Ax, a cybercrime syndicate linked to global cyber-financial fraud, have been extradited to the United States to face charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
Black Ax members accused of romance scams
Prosecutors have accused Perry Osajide, Franklin Osajide, Osarimen Clement, Collins Otafwaa and Moussa Mudasir of coordinating an internet fraud campaign from Cape Town between 2011 and 2021.
The alleged campaign involved advance-payment schemes and romance scams targeting victims in the United States. The defendants allegedly used false names, social media accounts, online dating sites and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone numbers to communicate with victims.
According to prosecutors, the suspects deceived victims into believing they were romantically involved before tricking them into sending money. When targets refused to pay, the alleged scammers used additional manipulation tactics, including threats to publish the victims’ confidential photos online.
“Black Ax is a notoriously violent transnational criminal organization that also engages in romance fraud to make money,” said FBI Newark Special Agent Stephanie Roddy.
“The ability of FBI Newark and our partner agencies to reach out to South Africa demonstrates our determination to hold accountable all types of fraudsters who prey on innocent victims here in the United States.”
Defendants extradited from South Africa
The defendants were arrested in South Africa in 2021 at the request of the United States and extradited to the United States on September 11, 2026.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud charge, up to 20 years for the money laundering charge and an additional two years for aggravated identity theft.
International crackdown on Black Ax cybercrime network
Last month, law enforcement agencies from 22 countries arrested 58 people and identified 263 suspects linked to a cybercrime network associated with African criminal organizations as part of Operation Jackal IV. The joint international operation focused on disrupting the Black Ax criminal organization.
Spanish authorities also arrested 34 cyber-fraud suspects believed to be part of a criminal network linked to Black Ax.
Founded in Nigeria in 1977, Black Ax is considered one of the world’s most dangerous and far-reaching cybercrime organizations. The group has an extensive network of money mules and intermediaries and is believed to have 30,000 registered members.
In January 2024, the United States sentenced Black Ax member Olugbenga Lawal to 10 years in prison for laundering millions of dollars stolen from elderly Americans in an internet fraud scheme operated by Black Ax members.
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Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com