Thai authorities have dismantled a large-scale romance scam syndicate allegedly led by a Nigerian national alongside five Thai collaborators, accused of defrauding victims of more than 114 million baht.
The crackdown, codenamed Operation Romance 114, was carried out by the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) in coordinated raids across Bangkok and Chon Buri.
Police Major General Chanannat Sarathwanphaet, TCSD Commander, announced the arrest of Nigerian suspect Ummaduabuchu, also known as Bonsi, his Thai wife Phanita, and four Thai accomplices identified as Warisara, Chalermchai, Kesinee, and Sariya.
The suspects are facing several charges, including fraud, conspiracy, computer-related offences, money laundering, and impersonation. Officers also confiscated assets worth over 2.5 million baht believed to be linked to the scam.
Investigators said the gang’s operation revolved around creating fake social media accounts, often posing as attractive foreigners, to build relationships and emotionally manipulate victims into transferring money under false pretences.
Police Colonel Chitsanupong Waidee, who led the operation, described the network as “highly coordinated,” with every member assigned a specific task.
According to the TCSD, Ummaduabuchu directed the scam from abroad, issuing instructions to his wife, Phanita, who managed local transactions, opened bank accounts, and facilitated fund transfers.
Warisara and Chalermchai were allegedly responsible for withdrawing the stolen funds and delivering the cash to intermediaries. The money was then converted into Nigerian currency.
Authorities further revealed that part of the funds was routed through accounts belonging to another Nigerian, Chinine Collins, and his wife Sariya, with the assistance of Kesinee. These proceeds were reportedly laundered through cryptocurrency before being sent back to Nigeria.
Each money handler earned commissions ranging between three and four percent of the withdrawn funds, according to KhaoSod.
While Collins escaped arrest, the remaining six suspects confessed during interrogation. They have since been transferred to Division 3 investigators for prosecution.
Police said efforts are underway to locate Collins and identify other individuals connected to the cross-border cyberfraud network.
