11 Nigerians arrested in Thailand over alleged romance scam

Thai immigration and police authorities have arrested no fewer than 11 Nigerians following the bust of a suspected 13-member international romance fraud syndicate operating in the Muang Thong Thani area of Thailand.

The arrests were carried out on Monday and reported on Thursday by local news outlet Thailand News.

Investigations reportedly began after a Thai woman filed a complaint in late 2025, alleging she was defrauded by a Facebook user with whom she had formed a romantic relationship. The suspect allegedly posed as a Chinese engineer and persuaded her to transfer more than two million baht into mule accounts.

According to the report, the victim, based in Nong Khai, said the individual—identified online as “Bingwen Fu”—claimed he could not access funds needed for a construction project. After gaining her trust through sustained communication on Facebook and Line, he convinced her to make multiple transfers.

Police traced the financial transactions, initially charging the Thai account holders before uncovering what they described as an organised criminal network. The syndicate was said to be operating from a condominium in Nonthaburi, with members assigned distinct roles including online scammers, cash withdrawers and recruiters of bank accounts.

Acting on intelligence, the Immigration Bureau Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyaluck, authorised a joint operation during which officers reportedly caught suspects actively carrying out live romance scams using electronic devices.

In total, 13 suspects—11 Nigerians and two Ivorians—were arrested at the location. Some of the suspects reportedly attempted to flee barefoot but were apprehended.

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

Police also seized 34 electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones, which allegedly contained evidence of coordinated romance scams involving impersonation of wealthy European and Asian nationals to target Thai and foreign women.

Investigators further claimed to have uncovered links between the suspects and the Nong Khai case, as well as evidence suggesting that proceeds from the fraud were transferred to Nigeria using cryptocurrency. The investigation has since been widened to identify additional accomplices and dismantle the broader network.

The arrests come barely a week after another Nigerian was apprehended in Thailand over alleged drug-related offences. On Monday, PUNCH Metro reported that a Thailand-based Nigerian, Ukoma Jefta Nuzbech, was arrested after allegedly absconding from an ongoing trial connected to a drug-peddling case in the Koh Pha Ngan area.

The suspect was first arrested in March 2025 for allegedly selling 25.71 grams of cocaine to an undercover police officer.