A court in Germany has sentenced 12 Nigerian nationals to prison for their involvement in an international romance scam and money laundering syndicate that defrauded vulnerable victims through online deception.
The judgment was delivered by a court in Munich, which handed the convicts, aged between 34 and 55, prison terms ranging from three years and four months to eight years and six months.
According to prosecutors, the group used fake online identities, including impersonating U.S. military personnel, to establish romantic relationships with unsuspecting victims before requesting money under false pretences.
The victims were allegedly told the funds were needed to cover fabricated medical bills, travel expenses, customs charges and other emergency costs.
Investigators said the scheme primarily targeted women, elderly persons and people living with disabilities.
Prosecutors further alleged that proceeds from the fraud were laundered through the Nigeria-based Neo Black Movement of Africa, widely known as Black Axe.
The convictions followed a major police operation conducted in April 2024 after several years of investigations into the transnational criminal network.
German authorities said the operation dismantled key elements of the syndicate and underscored continued international efforts to combat cyber-enabled financial crimes and organised fraud.
The case is one of several recent prosecutions targeting transnational romance fraud networks operating across multiple countries.
