DW reports that eleven suspected members of the Nigerian crime syndicate Black Axe were apprehended by German police on Wednesday during a nationwide raid.

Although the majority of the 11 accused have lived in Germany for a long time, they are all reportedly citizens of Nigeria. They are alleged to be in charge of dating websites where scam victims are tricked into marriage promises.

According to authorities, the group collaborated with con artists who sent money to them in Nigeria under the guise of "financial agents."

The investigation, which according to the report targeted 19 properties, is a component of Germany's efforts to expose widespread money laundering and dating frauds in the country.

Law enforcement officers also seized a digital balance and fifty cocaine sachets from the property in addition to making the arrests.

Additionally, Europol announced that, between December 7 and December 9, 2023, it conducted an international operation that resulted in the arrest of 16 Nigerian citizens wanted for offenses like drug trafficking and distribution, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and money laundering both inside and outside the EU.

It stated that law enforcement from North America, South America, Africa, and Europe carried out the operation.