Thai police have arrested a Nigerian national, Chinedu Theophilus Ezike, over allegations of involvement in a romance scam operation targeting women online, with authorities reportedly recovering more than 40 mobile phones and 10 ATM cards during the investigation.
The arrest was reported on Friday, May 23, 2026, following an operation carried out by Thai authorities in Bangkok and the Bang Sri Muang area of Nonthaburi Province, according to reports published by Peoples Gazette, Politics Nigeria, and regional crime-focused media platforms.
According to the reports, Mr Ezike, 24, first came under police scrutiny after officers allegedly observed him acting suspiciously while withdrawing money from an automated teller machine. Thai police reportedly searched his belongings and recovered six mobile phones, 10 ATM cards bearing different names, and about 20,000 Thai baht in cash.
Authorities subsequently raided an apartment linked to the suspect in the Bang Sri Muang area, where investigators reportedly discovered 40 additional mobile phones believed to have been used in online fraud activities. Reports stated that investigators suspected the devices were connected to romance scam operations targeting victims through online communication platforms.
Thai investigators alleged that Mr Ezike posed online as a wealthy Nigerian businessman or “Nigerian prince” in order to deceive vulnerable women into sending money. Police also reportedly linked him to a Thai woman believed to be his wife, with authorities investigating possible connections to around 20 related fraud cases.
Police Colonel Phrut Jamroonsart, who was quoted in the reports, said the suspect denied allegations relating to unlawful possession of electronic payment cards belonging to other individuals. Despite the denial, authorities stated that he would remain in custody while investigations continue before being handed over to immigration officials for further proceedings under Thai law.
The arrest forms part of wider crackdowns by Thai authorities targeting cybercrime, romance fraud, narcotics trafficking, and transnational financial crimes involving foreign nationals operating within the country. In recent months, several Nigerians have reportedly been arrested in Thailand in separate investigations involving alleged online fraud and drug-related offences.
Earlier this month, another Nigerian identified only as Obi was reportedly arrested in Thailand over alleged involvement in a romance scam and narcotics distribution network that authorities claimed used Thai women to distribute illegal drugs. Two weeks before that incident, a Nigerian student identified as Louis Junior was also arrested in Bangkok during an alleged cocaine sale sting operation involving undercover police officers.
Online romance scams, commonly referred to as “romance fraud,” typically involve suspects creating fake online identities to build emotional relationships with victims before requesting money under false pretences. International law enforcement agencies, including Interpol and the FBI, have repeatedly warned about the increasing sophistication of such scams, especially through social media, dating applications, and encrypted messaging platforms.
As of Saturday, May 23, 2026, Thai authorities had not publicly disclosed the identities of any alleged victims connected to the investigation, while no formal court ruling had been issued regarding the allegations against Mr Ezike. Investigations into the case were reportedly ongoing.
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