Local advocate awarded by US Secret Service for work on scam case
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and an expert in extradition advocate Dave Damerell, Michael K Burgin from the Secret Service, advocate Robin lewis and Ultrich Kruger from the Secret Service. pic NPA
Cape Town - A Cape Town advocate tasked with the case against the Black Axe syndicate involving unsuspecting women in a romance scam has been awarded by the US Secret Service for his work.
During the bail application Lewis and senior state advocate Lenro Badenhorst successfully opposed it.
The scam allegedly amounted to $7 million, by the men pretending to be rich and based in America.
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.
Lewis said he had to applaud his colleague, advocate Badenhorst for his guidance and other roleplayers from the various departments: “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 advocate Badenhorst. He played a key role in the matter, as did 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.”
Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions advocate Nicolette Bell welcomed the award, saying it was recognition of the hard work put into the case by Lewis and other partners in ensuring that justice was delivered for the victims of these crimes.
Eric Ntabazalila, the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, said Lewis had been commended. He added that an extradition process had begun but it was declared inadmissible.
“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.”
The case has been set down for March 2022, for a further extradition hearing.