Thai authorities have arrested 13 foreign nationals, including 11 Nigerians and 2 Ivorians, for allegedly running an international romance scam syndicate.
The suspects were caught during a coordinated operation by the Thai Immigration Bureau and Pak Kret Provincial Police at a condominium in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi province.
The investigation began after a Thai woman from Nong Khai province reported being defrauded by individuals posing as a Chinese engineer online. She lost over 2 million baht (about N91 million) in four separate transactions.
Police seized 34 electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones, containing evidence of coordinated scams.
The suspects allegedly posed as wealthy professionals to gain victims’ trust, using social media platforms to build online romantic relationships.
Eight suspects were found to be overstaying their visas, while five Nigerians entered Thailand illegally through the Lao border. The syndicate’s funds were converted into cryptocurrency and transferred overseas.
