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A German court on Thursday sentenced 12 members of a Nigerian organised crime ring to prison terms for their roles in an international “romance scam” network that defrauded victims through fake romantic relationships and laundered the proceeds.
The Munich court convicted the men, aged between 34 and 55, of involvement in scams and money laundering, AFP reports.
The convicts received prison sentences ranging from three years and four months to eight-and-a-half years.
Prosecutors said the perpetrators linked to the Neo Black Movement of Africa, also known as the Black Axe confraternity, operated an international network.
Using false identities such as posing as a United States soldier stationed in the Middle East, they contacted victims primarily via social media and dating apps.
They built trust by feigning romantic relationships before requesting money for fabricated emergencies, including medical bills, travel costs, or customs fees.
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Victims were mostly women, elderly people, or individuals with disabilities.
The court heard how funds obtained were funnelled to the Black Axe organisation, which is based in Nigeria but active globally.
German police arrested the 12 suspects in April 2024 during coordinated raids in Bavaria following a multi-year investigation involving surveillance by domestic intelligence agencies.
Authorities noted that many victims did not report the crimes due to shame and embarrassment over being manipulated, in a case that highlighted growing concern over romance scams tied to organised groups, which often exploit vulnerable individuals across borders through sophisticated online tactics and money laundering schemes.
This sentencing concludes the trial that began in Munich in April 2025.
