Thai police authorities arrested 11 Nigerians after dismantling a suspected international romance scam syndicate in Muang Thong Thani, Thailand.
The arrests were made on Monday during a joint operation and were reported on Thursday by local news platform Thailand News.
The investigation was triggered by a complaint filed in late 2025 by a Thai woman in Nong Khai, who alleged she was duped.
According to the report, the victim stated that she met a Facebook user who identified himself as a Chinese engineer.
After earning her trust through extensive conversation on Facebook and Line, the suspect allegedly said he couldn’t access cash for a building project and convinced her to transfer more than two million baht to multiple mule accounts.
According to police, financial tracking led to the identification of Thai account holders participating in the transactions, and detectives discovered a larger, organized criminal network.
The ring apparently operated out of a Nonthaburi condominium, with members assigned specific jobs like online scammers, cash withdrawers, and account recruiters.
Based on the information acquired, Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyaluck directed a coordinated raid on the area. Officers reportedly discovered the suspects actively engaged in online romance frauds utilizing computers and mobile phones throughout the operation.
A total of 13 people were apprehended, including 11 Nigerians and two Ivorians. Some of the accused apparently tried to leave but were arrested by operations.
Authorities revealed that eight of the suspects had overstayed their visas, while five Nigerians were reported to have illegally entered Thailand over the Laos border. The accused were charged with immigration-related crimes such as visa overstay and illegal entrance.
During the raid, investigators confiscated 34 electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones, allegedly containing evidence of organized internet frauds employing the impersonation of affluent European and Asian citizens to deceive Thai and foreign women.
Investigators also stated they discovered links between the suspects and the Nong Khai complaint, as well as evidence indicating that proceeds from the suspected schemes were transported to Nigeria via cryptocurrency.
Police stated that investigations are underway to dismantle the larger network and find additional accomplices.
