A German court has sentenced 12 Nigerian men to various prison terms for their involvement in an international romance fraud and money laundering network that targeted vulnerable victims through fake online relationships.
The convictions were handed down by a court in Munich on Thursday after the defendants were found guilty of participating in an organised criminal operation that deceived victims across multiple countries.
The convicts, aged between 34 and 55, received prison sentences ranging from three years and four months to eight years and six months.
According to prosecutors, the group was linked to the Neo Black Movement of Africa, also known as the Black Axe confraternity, which authorities described as an international organised crime network.
Investigators said members of the syndicate used false identities, including posing as United States military personnel deployed to the Middle East, to initiate contact with victims on social media platforms and online dating sites.
After gaining the victims’ confidence through fabricated romantic relationships, the suspects allegedly requested money under various pretexts, including medical emergencies, travel expenses and customs clearance fees.
Prosecutors told the court that the scheme primarily targeted women, elderly individuals and people living with disabilities.
Authorities further alleged that proceeds from the fraudulent activities were channelled through money laundering networks before being transferred to the Black Axe organisation.
The 12 suspects were arrested during coordinated police raids across Bavaria in April 2024 following a lengthy investigation involving Germany’s domestic intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
The court also heard that many victims failed to report the fraud because of embarrassment and the emotional manipulation they experienced during the scams.
The case, which commenced in Munich in April 2025, concluded with Thursday’s sentencing, marking the end of one of Germany’s major prosecutions involving an international online romance fraud network.
Authorities said the judgment underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational criminal groups exploiting digital platforms to defraud unsuspecting victims across borders.
