Six Nigerians Arrested in Thailand Romance Scam Crackdown
Six Nigerians Arrested in Thailand Romance Scam Crackdown
BANGKOK, May 25, 2026 — Thai police have arrested six Nigerian nationals accused of operating a romance scam network from a condominium in Nonthaburi province, seizing electronic devices and evidence allegedly linked to online fraud targeting elderly Thai women.
The arrests were made during coordinated raids conducted on May 22 under Operation “Dark Room” at three condominium units near Phra Nang Klao Bridge.
The operation involved officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the Narcotics Suppression Centre and local police units acting under warrants issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court.
Authorities said the suspects were charged with criminal association and overstaying their visas, while investigators are pursuing additional fraud-related charges in coordination with victims and local police stations.
Police seized 18 mobile phones, three laptop computers and three bank books during the raids. Investigators said the devices contained chat histories, scam scripts and AI-generated facial images allegedly used to deceive victims through fake online relationships.
According to investigators, the suspects created fraudulent online identities posing as successful foreign professionals, including pilots, soldiers, lawyers, engineers and doctors. The group allegedly contacted victims through Facebook Messenger, WeChat, TikTok, Line and Zalo before developing romantic relationships online.
Police said victims were later told that expensive parcels or gifts had been shipped from overseas but were being held by customs authorities, prompting requests for money transfers to release the items.
Authorities stated that most victims were older Thai women.
The investigation reportedly began after police dismantled a cocaine trafficking operation in April involving a Nigerian suspect known as Patrick and three accomplices. Officers later traced suspicious financial activity to a group of Nigerian nationals living in Nonthaburi on student visas.
Investigators alleged that the suspects displayed unusually large financial transactions despite reportedly not attending classes or holding employment.
During the raid, officers said some occupants refused to open their doors, prompting police to force entry amid concerns evidence was being destroyed. One suspect allegedly attempted to escape via a balcony while another reportedly hid inside a bathroom.
Police also discovered what they described as “psychological scripts” containing flirtatious and sexually suggestive dialogue designed to emotionally manipulate victims. Authorities further alleged that the group used artificial intelligence technology to generate animated facial images and fake video calls to make online profiles appear authentic.
Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said the arrests formed part of a broader crackdown on foreign criminal networks operating illegally in Thailand.
Thai authorities warned the public to remain cautious of strangers online who rapidly develop romantic conversations before requesting money or personal financial assistance.
The six suspects remain in custody and have been transferred to Ratthanathibet Police Station for further legal proceedings.
