German authorities have apprehended 11 Nigerian nationals believed to be associated with a Black Axe group implicated in a major dating scam and money laundering operation. According to a statement released by Bavarian police on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the gang is allegedly engaged in various criminal activities, with a particular focus on dating scams and money laundering within Germany.
The police described the dating scam as a “modern form of marriage fraud,” where the fraudsters, using false identities, would feign interest in marriage and then solicit money from their victims under false pretenses.
The funds obtained through the scam were reportedly funneled to Black Axe in Nigeria via financial intermediaries. Additionally, the gang employed a commodity-based money laundering scheme, purchasing and sending products, often under the guise of charitable donations, to Nigeria.
In 2023 alone, Bavarian authorities received reports of 450 cases of dating and love 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 officials raided 19 properties, including residences and asylum shelters.
Authorities highlighted the hierarchical structure of the Black Axe gang, which operates under leadership in Nigeria and exerts significant influence over politics and public administration in the country. Globally, the gang is known for its involvement in human trafficking, fraud, money laundering, prostitution, and drug trafficking.
The operation against Black Axe marks the first of its kind in Germany, signaling a significant crackdown on transnational criminal organizations operating within the country.