German police have arrested 11 Nigerian men suspected of being in a mafia group who orchestrated large-scale dating scams.
The Black Axe gang was involved in "multiple areas of criminal activity" globally, Bavarian police said in a statement.
In Germany, the organisation focuses on romance scams and money laundering, the force added.
The statement said: "Using false identities, the fraudsters for example signalled their intention to marry and in the course of further contact repeatedly demand money under various pretexts."
Globally, the gang's main areas of operation were "human trafficking, fraud, money-laundering, prostitution and drug trafficking".
The arrested suspects all hold Nigerian citizenship and are aged between 29 and 53.
They were detained on Tuesday in raids across the region of Bavaria following a police probe that lasted more than two years.
A 2021 BBC investigation of Black Axe unearthed evidence that the group had infiltrated politics in Nigeria and ran a killing operation spanning the globe.
Latest Stories
-
Cedi depreciation: We have complained a lot but is anybody listening? – Dr Otoo
29 mins -
Rev. Dr Lawrence Tetteh to march to Jubilee House over anti-gay bill delay
35 mins -
Throwing cash in the air – Nigeria’s wedding dilemma
41 mins -
I’ve lost a friend and a strong supporter – Bawumia eulogises John Kumah
1 hour -
I am the most expensive artiste in terms of production – Scott Evans claims
1 hour -
My time will come but it is not this year – Scott Evans on TGMA
1 hour -
NDC launches fundraiser campaign in Volta Region
2 hours -
Why call for Kissi Agyebeng’s removal when there are alternatives? – Dr Osae-Kwapong to Amidu
2 hours -
Former Deputy AG Joseph Kpemka appointed Deputy MD for BOST
2 hours -
Celebration of debts with Kenkey parties brought our economy to this low level – Suhuyini
2 hours -
Amidu’s petition strengthening Akufo-Addo’s desire to remove independent officeholders – Suhuyini
3 hours -
I was so proud when Afronita and Abigail danced to ‘Antenna’ at Britain’s Got Talent – Fuse ODG
3 hours -
Martin Amidu can’t judge Kissi Agyebeng by his ‘low standards’ – Suhuyini
3 hours -
GOC President denies not fulfilling promise to Deborah Acquah after 2022 Commonwealth Games
3 hours -
Foden named English Premier League Player of the Season
4 hours