German police have apprehended 11 Nigerian nationals believed to be affiliated with a Black Axe group involved in an extensive dating scam and money laundering operation. According to a statement released by Bavarian police on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the gang engaged in various criminal activities internationally, with a particular focus on dating scams and money laundering within Germany.
The police described the dating scheme as a “modern form of marriage fraud,” where fraudsters, using false identities, feigned intentions of marriage and repeatedly solicited money under various pretexts during subsequent interactions.
Furthermore, authorities stated that funds obtained through the scam were funneled to Black Axe in Nigeria via financial intermediaries. The gang allegedly utilized a “commodity-based money laundering” strategy, purchasing products with an ostensible “charitable purpose” and shipping them to Nigeria.
In 2023, Bavarian authorities received reports of 450 cases of dating and romance scams, resulting in damages totaling 5.3 million euros ($5.7 million). The suspects, all Nigerian citizens aged between 29 and 53, were apprehended in nationwide raids conducted on Tuesday. Law enforcement officers raided 19 properties, including residences and asylum shelters.
Additionally, the police revealed that the Black Axe group operated under strict hierarchical structures, with leadership based in Nigeria, exerting significant influence over politics and public administrations in the country. Globally, the gang was involved in various illicit activities such as human trafficking, fraud, money laundering, prostitution, and drug trafficking.
This operation marks the first major crackdown on Black Axe in Germany.
