Pixabay
Eight foreign nationals appeared in court in Cape Town for allegedly fleecing victims out of an estimated R100 million in a so-called international 'romance scam'.
They were arrested on Tuesday in a joint operation involving the FBI, the United States Secret Service, local authorities, and Interpol.
The FBI estimates that to date, more than 100 people have lost more than R100 million in romance scams since 2011.
The National Prosecuting Authority said the eight made their first court appearance on Wednesday, pending an extradition application by the USA government where the warrants of arrest were issued in New Jersey and Texas.
NPA spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said the accused's fraudulent activities caused at least $6. 8m losses to American citizens and others around the world.
He said in America they are charged with several counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.
"They intend to apply for bail pending the extradition application. The State will oppose the bail application as it believes the accused are a flight risk, are likely to tamper with evidence electronically and some are in the country illegally as their passports expired," Ntabazalila said.
Their bail application was postponed to next Tuesday.
The accused are Perry Osagiede, Enorense Izevbiege, Franklin Edosa Osagiede, Osariemen Eric Clement, Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, Musa Mudashiru, Prince Ibeabuchi Mark and Toritseju Gabriel Otubu.
