Thai Police Crack Down on International Romance Scam: 11 Nigerians Arrested

In a coordinated law-enforcement operation earlier this week, Thai police and immigration authorities apprehended 11 Nigerian nationals linked to a suspected international romance scam network based in the Muang Thong Thani area of Thailand. The arrests took place on Monday as part of a long-running investigation into fraudulent online activities that targeted both Thai and foreign victims. 

The case began in late 2025 when a Thai woman in Nong Khai filed a formal complaint alleging she was duped into transferring significant money to individuals she believed were romantic partners she met online. Authorities say the alleged scammers posed as wealthy and trustworthy individuals — sometimes claiming professions like engineers — to establish emotional connections and then manipulate victims into sending funds for bogus “project financing” or similar pretexts. 

According to Thai police, the fraud network was highly organised, operating out of a condominium where members were found internally coordinated — some actively engaging in online chats with victims at the time of the raid. Officials also described distinct roles within the group, including scammers, cash withdrawers, and those recruiting bank accounts for illicit money flows. 

Details of the Arrest and Charges

In total, 13 suspects were apprehended for questioning, including the 11 Nigerians and two Ivorians believed to be connected to the fraud ring. Some of the suspects attempted to flee during the raid but were quickly taken into custody by police. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that:

Eight individuals had overstayed their visas in Thailand.

Five Nigerians entered the country illegally, reportedly via the Laos border.

Authorities seized 34 electronic devices — including laptops and mobile phones — believed to contain evidence of the romance scam operations. 

The suspects face immigration-related charges, such as visa overstay and illegal entry, and further inquiries are ongoing to determine the full extent of their involvement and whether additional accomplices are connected to the network. 

How These Scams Work

Romance scams typically begin when fraudsters create fake social media profiles portraying attractive and successful individuals. After establishing an online relationship, scammers often weave emotional narratives that lead to requests for financial assistance — ostensibly to cover urgent expenses, investments, or travel costs. Funds are usually sent through bank transfers, “mule” accounts, or even cryptocurrency channels to conceal the path of the money and complicate law-enforcement tracing. 

Thailand has seen several romance scam ring busts in recent years, with cases involving both foreign and local accomplices and significant amounts of funds lost by victims. Previous operations have underscored the global nature of these scams, involving cross-border money flows and sophisticated organisational structures. 

Broader Implications

This latest arrest highlights two intersecting challenges:

1. Transnational cybercrime: Online scams have become a prolific source of financial loss globally, especially as social platforms make it easier to impersonate identities and gain victims’ trust without ever meeting face-to-face.

2. Immigration enforcement: The case also underscores the difficulties nations face in managing unlawful residency and border integrity when criminal networks exploit loopholes to facilitate illicit activities.

Both Thai authorities and international partners — including law-enforcement agencies across borders — continue to investigate these networks to protect vulnerable individuals and hold those responsible accountable.