A Romance Scam Case Gets A Prosecutor An Award By The Secret Service

Cape Town: The United State of America Secret Service has awarded Advocate Robin Lewis, a medal for his work on the case against members of the Black Axe syndicate charged with defrauding unsuspecting women in a romance scam. Perry Osagiede, Enorense Izevbiege, Franklin Edosa Osagiede, Osariemen Eric Clement, Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, Musa Mudashiru, Prince Ibeabuchi Mark and Toritseju Gabriel Otubu are charged with wire fraud conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section (s) k1349;  wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section (s) 1343 and 2, money laundering conspiracy in violation of Title, United States Code Section(s) 1956(h) and aggravated identity theft in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section(s) 1028A and 2. They defrauded unsuspecting women for almost $7million, by pretending to be rich men based in America.

They applied for bail last year, and Adv. Lewis and Senior State Adv. Lenro Badenhorst successfully opposed it. An extradition process to stand trial in America started, but they brought an interlocutory application to have the extradition bundles declared inadmissible, and for the court to find that the extradition papers were not properly authenticated. The two prosecutors opposed the application and both parties submitted their arguments. The court ruled that the bundles were properly authenticated and admissible.

Speaking after the award, Adv. Lewis said: “I was awarded by the US Secret Service for the work I have done on the Black-Axe case. Although I was awarded, I received a significant amount of assistance and guidance from Adv. Badenhorst. He played a key role in the matter, so is Colonel De Wee, Mr Klaasen from the Department of Home Affairs and Warrant Officer Van der Heever from Interpol. The matter is ongoing, they wanted to thank me and other officials mentioned for the work we have done thus far.” The case is set for 30 March 2022, for a further extradition hearing.

Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Nicolette Bell, welcomed the award saying it is a recognition of the hard work put into the case by Adv. Lewis and other partners in ensuring that justice is delivered for the victim of these crimes.

 Note: The NPA’s media statements are available on the website: www.npa.gov.za

Issued by:

Eric Ntabazalila

National Prosecuting Authority

Regional Communications Manager

Western Cape

Tel: (021) 487 7308Mobile: 073 062 1222

Email: entabazalila@npa.gov.za