CAPE TOWN – Eight foreign nationals arrested in Cape Town in connection with a multi-million dollar online dating scam have appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court.
The crimes are alleged to have taken place in the US where women were scammed out of their savings, pensions or inheritance.
The men were arrested on Tuesday and are now facing extradition to the US.
READ: How to avoid being caught up in a romance scam
They were arrested in Parklands and Table View areas after a multi-disciplinary operation that included the Hawks, Crime Intelligence and Interpol.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigations sought the help of its South African counterparts.
Laptops and cell phones were then seized to assist authorities during their investigation. The men will be back in court next week.
The state has indicated that bail will be opposed.
It is the first appearance pending an extradition application.
They are facing charges in America: conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and theft of identity.
It is alleged they defrauded victims in America and in other countries to the amount is 6.8 million US dollars.
There are warrants of arrest in New Jersey and in Texas.
