By Ebi Kesiena
Thai authorities have arrested 11 Nigerian nationals in connection with an alleged romance scam operation uncovered in Nonthaburi province, local media reports have said.
The suspects were apprehended alongside two Ivorian nationals following investigations into a network accused of defrauding victims through online romance schemes. Police said the group used fake social media profiles, posing as wealthy individuals from parts of Asia and Europe, to deceive victims into transferring money.
According to investigators, the syndicate operated with clearly defined roles. Some members were responsible for initiating and maintaining contact with victims, while others managed mule bank accounts and handled the laundering of illicit proceeds. During the raid, officers reportedly seized four computers and 29 mobile phones believed to contain evidence linked to the scam.
The investigation was launched after a Thai woman filed a complaint, alleging she had been defrauded of more than two million baht. Police traced the financial transactions connected to her report and were able to identify the wider network, leading to the arrests.
Authorities said the case highlights the growing prevalence of romance scams in Thailand, where online fraud has resulted in losses running into billions of baht in recent years. The Thai government has since intensified efforts to tackle such crimes, including cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.
The suspects are expected to face multiple charges, including visa overstaying and money laundering. If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to five years in prison and fined up to 100,000 baht.
