A court in Germany has sentenced 12 Nigerian nationals to various prison terms for their involvement in an international romance scam syndicate that defrauded victims through fake online relationships and laundered the illicit proceeds.
The convictions were handed down by a court in Munich on Thursday after the men, aged between 34 and 55, were found guilty of fraud-related offences and money laundering. Their jail terms range from three years and four months to eight years and six months.
According to prosecutors, the convicts were members of an organised criminal network linked to the Neo Black Movement of Africa, popularly known as the Black Axe confraternity, which allegedly operated across several countries.
Investigators said members of the syndicate created fake identities on social media and dating platforms, often posing as United States military personnel deployed to the Middle East to lure unsuspecting victims into fraudulent romantic relationships.
After gaining the confidence of their targets, the suspects allegedly requested money for fictitious emergencies, including medical treatment, travel expenses and customs clearance fees.
The court heard that the victims, many of whom were women, elderly persons and individuals living with disabilities, were deceived into transferring funds that were subsequently channelled through the criminal network.
German authorities arrested the suspects during coordinated raids across Bavaria in April 2024 following a lengthy investigation that involved surveillance by domestic intelligence agencies.
The prosecution also noted that many victims failed to report the crimes because of embarrassment over being deceived.
The judgment brings to an end a trial that commenced in Munich in April 2025.
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