German court sentences 12 members of Nigerian love‑scam network to prison

On Thursday, a German court sentenced 12 members of a Nigerian organized crime ring to prison for their roles in so‑called “love scams” and money laundering.

The Munich court noted that the convicted individuals, aged 34 to 55, received sentences ranging from three years and four months to eight and a half years.

They were found to have participated in an international network that orchestrated romance‑based scams and subsequently laundered the proceeds.

The scammers adopted false identities, such as pretending to be a U.S. soldier stationed in the Middle East, to contact victims via social media or dating apps and convince them of a personal or romantic connection.

Victims were then persuaded to transfer money to cover fictitious medical, travel, or customs expenses.

The court identified the victims as predominantly women, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities.

The funds were routed to an organization called “Neo Black Movement of Africa,” also known as “Black Axe,” headquartered in Nigeria but operating globally.

In April 2024, German police executed a series of arrests against the gang following years of investigation and surveillance by domestic intelligence services.

During the operation, Bavarian police reported that many cases had gone unreported, as victims felt ashamed of having been manipulated to such a degree.

AFP