Police from the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) have arrested a Nigerian man and five Thai nationals in a major romance scam racket crackdown in Thailand.
The suspects allegedly defrauded victims of more than ฿114 million.
Operation “Romance 114” targeted a network using fake profiles of attractive foreign men. Authorities said the profiles were used to trick victims into transferring large sums of money.
The operation began on November 7, 2025, after Pol. Maj. Gen. Chanannat Sarathwanphaet, Commander of the TCSD, issued orders. Consequently, Pol. Col. Chitsanupong Waidee, Superintendent of TCSD’s 3rd Division, led a team to execute coordinated raids. Locations in Bangkok and Chonburi province were searched.
Six suspects including Ms. Warisara, 20; Mr. Chalermchai, 23; Ms. Phanita, 31; Mr.Maduabuchi, 31, Nigerian; Ms. Kesinee, 28; and Ms. Sariya, 40, were arrested in the raids.
They were charged under Criminal Court warrants. Charges include colluding in fraud, impersonating others, participating in a gang, entering false information into computer systems, conspiracy to launder money, and money laundering.
Authorities said the suspects’ assets, believed to be obtained illegally, were seized, totalling over ฿2.5 million. The seizure included cash, bank accounts, and digital assets. Investigators said the operation followed reports from a victim to TCSD Division 3.
Victims reported fake social media accounts using photographs of foreign men.
The suspects allegedly contacted victims, acted friendly, and induced them to transfer money. Investigators said the scam involved organised, systematic roles for each participant.
The Nigerian leader directed operations from abroad. Mr. Ummaduabuchu, a Nigerian, coordinated with his Thai wife, Ms. Phanita. She acted as a local coordinator and arranged mule accounts to receive victim funds.
Once the victims transferred money, Mr. Maduabuchi and Ms. Phanita hired Ms. Warisara and Mr. Chalermchai to withdraw cash.
Subsequently, the cash was delivered to Ms. Phanita at multiple meeting points.
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