Six Nigerian nationals have been extradited from South Africa to the United States over alleged online romance scams that defrauded more than 100 women of over $6.2m.

The suspects, who are alleged members of the Black Axe organised crime network, were handed over to officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Secret Service at Cape Town International Airport on Saturday.

South African authorities said the victims included pensioners and businesspeople who were allegedly defrauded of more than 100 million rand, equivalent to approximately $6.2m.

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The extradition marks a major development in the investigation into an alleged international romance scam network operating across borders.

The suspects will face legal proceedings in the United States over the allegations.

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