Thai police say suspects ran an international online scam syndicate, using fake identities to defraud victims of millions through romance fraud
in what police described as a major international romance fraud operation uncovered in the country. Thai authorities have arrested 11 Nigerians and two Ivorians.
According to Thai police, the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated raid at a residential apartment in Nonthaburi Province, near Bangkok, following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance. The operation was launched after several victims reported being defrauded through online romantic relationships.
Investigators said the suspects allegedly used fake social media profiles to pose as foreign professionals and businessmen, building emotional relationships with unsuspecting victims before convincing them to send large sums of money. The funds were reportedly transferred through multiple bank accounts to avoid detection.
During the raid, law enforcement officers recovered laptops, mobile phones, SIM cards and financial documents, which authorities believe were used to coordinate and execute the fraudulent activities. Some of the suspects were allegedly caught chatting with victims online at the time of arrest.
Thai police disclosed that at least one victim lost millions of baht to the syndicate, while investigations are ongoing to identify additional victims and possible international collaborators linked to the network.
Authorities also revealed that several of the arrested foreigners were found to be overstaying their visas, leading to additional immigration-related charges.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to face prosecution under Thailand’s cybercrime and fraud laws, with possible deportation after the completion of legal proceedings.
The arrest highlights Thailand’s intensified crackdown on cross-border cyber fraud and online romance scams, which have increasingly targeted victims across Asia, Europe and other parts of the world.
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