Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Bangkok, Thailand — Thai law enforcement authorities have arrested 11 Nigerian nationals as part of a significant crackdown on an alleged international romance scam operation that defrauded victims through online deception and financial fraud, officials confirmed this week.
The arrests took place on Monday, January 19, 2026, following a coordinated operation by the Thai Immigration Bureau and Pak Kret Provincial Police, based on months of intelligence gathering and investigation into the transnational syndicate’s activities in the Muang Thong Thani area of Nonthaburi province just outside Bangkok. In total, 13 suspects were taken into custody, including the 11 Nigerians and two Ivorian nationals linked to the case.
According to investigators, the case was triggered by a formal complaint from a Thai woman based in Nong Khai province, who reported being defrauded by individuals posing as a foreign engineer on social media platforms. The alleged scammers developed what appeared to be a genuine online romantic relationship with the victim, eventually persuading her to transfer more than 2 million baht (approximately N91 million) into multiple bank accounts under false pretences related to a fictitious construction project.
Police traced the suspicious transactions through financial intelligence units, uncovering a structured criminal network that reportedly used social media platforms, such as Facebook and LINE, to initiate contact and sustain deceptive relationships with victims in Thailand and potentially abroad. The operation revealed a network in which suspects had distinct roles, including online romance scammers, cash handlers, and account recruiters — often referred to by authorities as “mules” — who facilitated the movement of funds.
During the early‑morning raid on the syndicate’s suspected hideout, investigators seized 34 electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones, which they say contained active scam conversations, scripts used to deceive victims and communications among gang members. Some suspects attempted to flee the scene, even trying to escape barefoot, but were apprehended by officers positioned around the property.
Officials disclosed that eight of the suspects had overstayed their visas, while **five of the Nigerian nationals admitted to entering Thailand illegally through the Lao border. All face charges related to immigration violations, including visa overstays and illegal entry, and are being held as investigations continue.
Authorities are also exploring broader aspects of the syndicate’s operations, including potential links to other scam cases and the use of cryptocurrency and mule accounts in laundering proceeds. Investigators noted that some suspects allegedly cultivated relationships with Thai partners, who were persuaded to allow their bank accounts to be used to receive and withdraw scammed funds before the proceeds were converted and transferred internationally.
The arrests in Nonthaburi represent part of ongoing efforts by Thai police and immigration officials to disrupt organised cybercrime networks operating within the country and exploiting vulnerable individuals through online fraud and impersonation schemes. Thai authorities have emphasised that investigations are still underway to identify additional suspects, trace financial flows linked to the syndicate, and dismantle broader networks involved in transnational romance scams.
The case highlights continuing concerns over online fraud schemes, particularly those involving romantic deceit and financial manipulation, which have caused significant financial loss and emotional distress to victims worldwide. Law enforcement agencies in both Thailand and Nigeria may coordinate further as the probe deepens and legal proceedings unfold.
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