11 Nigerians Arrested in Thailand Over Alleged Romance Fraud Network

No fewer than eleven Nigerian nationals have been taken into custody by Thai immigration officials and police operatives following the exposure of a suspected international romance fraud operation in Thailand.

The arrests took place after authorities uncovered a 13-member syndicate believed to be operating from the Muang Thong Thani area. The operation was reportedly uncovered earlier in the week and made public by a local media platform, Thailand News, on Thursday.

According to the report, the investigation was triggered by a formal complaint lodged by a Thai woman in 2025. She alleged that she had been financially deceived by an individual she met through social media while they were engaged in an online romantic relationship.

The victim explained that the suspect had contacted her using Facebook and Line, presenting himself as a Chinese engineer. Over time, the individual reportedly built emotional trust and convinced her that he was involved in a construction project but was temporarily unable to access his funds.

Based on this narrative, the suspect persuaded the woman to send money to assist with the supposed project. The report stated that she eventually transferred more than two million baht into accounts later identified as mule accounts.

Investigators disclosed that financial tracking led them to the Thai nationals who controlled the receiving accounts. These individuals were subsequently charged, which allowed law enforcement to trace the transactions back to an organised criminal network.

Further findings revealed that the group operated from a condominium located in Nonthaburi. Members of the syndicate reportedly carried out assigned roles, including online romance engagement, account recruitment, and cash withdrawal operations.

Following intelligence gathered during the investigation, the Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyaluck, authorised a coordinated enforcement operation. During the raid, officers reportedly caught the suspects actively conducting live romance scams using computers and mobile devices.

Authorities arrested all thirteen individuals found at the location, comprising eleven Nigerians and two nationals from Côte d’Ivoire. Reports indicated that some of the suspects attempted to escape the scene without footwear but were apprehended by security operatives.

Immigration checks revealed that eight of the suspects had overstayed their visas, while five Nigerian nationals admitted to entering Thailand illegally through the Laos border. As a result, all suspects are facing charges related to visa overstay and unlawful entry.

Law enforcement agents also confiscated thirty-four electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones. These devices allegedly contained digital evidence showing coordinated romance scams, where suspects impersonated wealthy European and Asian individuals to deceive both Thai and foreign women.

Investigators further established connections between the arrested suspects and the original Nong Khai complaint. Evidence also suggested that proceeds from the alleged scams were transferred to Nigeria using cryptocurrency channels.

Thai authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with efforts focused on dismantling the broader criminal network and identifying additional individuals linked to the operation.

The arrests occurred barely a week after another Nigerian national was apprehended in Thailand over alleged drug-related offences.

Earlier reports by LMSINT MEDIA stated that a Nigerian resident in Thailand, identified as Ukoma Jefta Nuzbech, was arrested after allegedly absconding from an ongoing trial connected to a drug distribution case in the Koh Pha Ngan area.