A Nigerian romance scam network has been busted in Thailand, with six suspects arrested for defrauding victims of over 114 million baht
A Nigerian romance scam network has been dismantled by Thai police in a sweeping crackdown that led to the arrest of six suspects accused of defrauding victims of more than 114 million baht (₦3 billion).
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The operation, codenamed “Operation Romance 114”, was carried out by officers of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) in coordinated raids across Bangkok and Chon Buri provinces.
According to Police Major General Chanannat Sarathwanphaet, Commander of the TCSD, the prime suspect, a Nigerian national identified as Ummaduabuchu, also known as Bonsi, was arrested alongside his Thai wife, Phanita, and four other Thai nationals — Warisara, Chalermchai, Kesinee, and Sariya.
The suspects face multiple charges, including fraud, conspiracy, computer-related crime, money laundering, and impersonation. Police also seized luxury items, vehicles, and bank accounts worth over 2.5 million baht, believed to be proceeds from the illicit operation.
Investigations revealed that the gang operated by creating fake social media profiles, often posing as wealthy foreign men or professionals, to lure unsuspecting victims into online relationships.
Once emotional trust was built, the victims were persuaded to transfer large sums of money under various false pretences, such as customs clearance fees or emergency expenses.
Police Colonel Chitsanupong Waidee, who led the tactical operation, described the scheme as “a well-structured fraud network with clearly assigned roles for each member.”
Authorities said the arrests mark a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat cross-border online fraud.
The TCSD vowed to continue tracing the group’s financial channels to recover stolen funds and prevent further exploitation of victims.
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The suspects remain in custody as the investigation expands, with police coordinating with Interpol and other agencies to track additional accomplices possibly operating in neighbouring countries.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
