Thai Police Arrest 11 Nigerians in Alleged International Romance Scam Bust

Thai immigration and police authorities have arrested 11 Nigerians following the disruption of a suspected international romance scam network operating in the Muang Thong Thani area of Thailand.

The arrests were made on Monday during a joint security operation and were reported on Thursday by Thailand News. The operation followed months of investigation triggered by a complaint filed in late 2025 by a Thai woman in Nong Khai, who reported being defrauded through an online romantic relationship.

According to investigators, the complainant said she met a man on Facebook who claimed to be a Chinese engineer. After sustained communication on Facebook and Line, the suspect allegedly told her he could not access funds needed for a construction project and persuaded her to transfer more than two million baht into several bank accounts later identified as mule accounts.

Police said financial tracing led them to Thai account holders connected to the transactions. Further inquiries revealed an organised criminal group allegedly operating from a condominium in Nonthaburi. Members of the group were said to have assigned roles, including online engagement with victims, cash withdrawals, and recruitment of bank account holders.

Based on intelligence gathered, Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyaluck authorised a coordinated raid on the premises. Officers said they found suspects actively communicating with potential victims using computers and mobile phones at the time of the raid.

A total of 13 suspects—11 Nigerians and two Ivorians—were arrested. Some reportedly attempted to escape but were apprehended at the scene.

Authorities said eight of the suspects had overstayed their visas, while five Nigerians were alleged to have entered Thailand illegally through the Laos border. All were charged with immigration-related offences, including illegal entry and visa overstay.

During the operation, officers seized 34 electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones. Police said preliminary analysis showed evidence of coordinated online scams involving impersonation of wealthy European and Asian nationals, targeting both Thai and foreign women.

Investigators also reported links between the suspects and the Nong Khai complaint, as well as indications that proceeds from the alleged scams were transferred to Nigeria through cryptocurrency platforms. Police said further investigations are ongoing to identify additional accomplices and dismantle the wider network.

The arrests come a week after another Nigerian national was apprehended in Thailand over alleged drug-related offences. PUNCH Metro reported that Ukoma Jefta Nuzbech, a Nigeria citizen based in Thailand, was arrested after allegedly fleeing an ongoing trial connected to a drug-peddling case in the Koh Pha Ngan area. He was initially arrested in March 2025 for allegedly selling 25.71 grams of cocaine to an undercover police officer.