German court jails 12 members of Nigerian ‘love scam’ network

A German court has handed down prison sentences to 12 members of a Nigerian organized crime network for their involvement in "love scams" and money laundering. The individuals, aged between 34 and 55, received sentences ranging from three years and four months to eight and a half years.

The convicted members were found guilty of operating an international network that conducted romance-related scams. They employed fake identities, such as posing as U.S. soldiers in the Middle East, to deceive victims on social media and dating applications. The scammers manipulated their targets into believing they were in a personal or romantic relationship, subsequently requesting money transfers for fabricated medical, travel, or customs expenses.

The court noted that the victims were predominantly "women, elderly people or people with disabilities." The illicit funds were then channeled to an organization in Nigeria, known as the "Neo Black Movement of Africa," also referred to as "Black Axe," which has a global presence.

This sentencing follows a significant investigation and surveillance operation by domestic intelligence agencies. In April 2024, German police conducted a series of arrests targeting the gang. At the time of the operation, Bavarian police indicated that many victims had not reported the incidents due to shame over being deceived.

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women, elderly people or people with disabilities