Author: Gist Correspondent

Thai authorities have arrested 11 Nigerians in connection with a suspected international romance scam operating in the Muang Thong Thani area, local media reported Thursday. The arrests form part of a broader crackdown on a 13-member syndicate, which also included two Ivorians.

The investigation began in late 2025 after a Thai woman in Nong Khai reported being defrauded by an individual posing as a Chinese engineer on Facebook and Line. The victim alleged that she had transferred more than two million baht to a mule account, believing the suspect’s claims of being unable to access funds for a construction project.

Authorities traced the transactions and identified the organized network behind the scam. The group reportedly operated from a condominium in Nonthaburi, with members assigned specific roles, including scammers, account recruiters, and money withdrawers.

Following intelligence gathering, the Immigration Bureau Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyaluck, ordered a joint operation. During the raid, officers discovered the suspects actively conducting live scams on electronic devices. Some suspects attempted to escape barefoot but were apprehended.

Investigations revealed that eight of the suspects had overstayed their visas, while five Nigerians had entered Thailand illegally via the Laos border. They now face charges related to visa violations and illegal entry.

Authorities seized 34 electronic devices, including computers and mobile phones, containing evidence of coordinated scams targeting Thai and foreign women through impersonation of wealthy European and Asian nationals. Investigators also traced transfers of defrauded funds to Nigeria using cryptocurrency.

Police have indicated that the probe is ongoing, with efforts to dismantle the wider network and identify additional accomplices. The arrests come just one week after another Nigerian was apprehended in Thailand on alleged drug-related charges.