Romance scam in Thailand has taken a new turn after police from the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) arrested a Nigerian man and five Thai nationals accused of running a large-scale fraud network that stole over 114 million baht from victims nationwide.
Operation Romance 114 was launched to dismantle an online syndicate that created fake profiles of attractive foreign men to deceive women into sending money. Authorities revealed that the suspects had operated for months, using fake social media identities to gain trust and manipulate emotions before asking for financial help.
The investigation began on November 7, 2025, under the orders of Pol. Maj. Gen. Chanannat Sarathwanphaet, Commander of TCSD. Pol. Col. Chitsanupong Waidee, Superintendent of TCSD’s 3rd Division, led coordinated raids across Bangkok and Chonburi province.
Six suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Ms. Warisara, 20; Mr. Chalermchai, 23; Ms. Phanita, 31; Mr. Maduabuchi, 31, a Nigerian national; Ms. Kesinee, 28; and Ms. Sariya, 40. All were taken into custody under Criminal Court warrants.
Authorities confirmed that the charges include colluding in fraud, impersonation, participation in a criminal gang, entering false data into computer systems, and conspiracy to launder money. Investigators also seized assets worth over 2.5 million baht, including cash, multiple bank accounts, and digital assets believed to be proceeds of crime.
Victims reported to TCSD Division 3 after noticing suspicious social media accounts featuring photos of handsome foreign men. The suspects allegedly used these profiles to build emotional relationships with victims, slowly convincing them to transfer money for supposed emergencies or investments.
The investigation revealed a structured hierarchy behind the operation. The Nigerian ringleader reportedly directed the scam from abroad. He coordinated with his Thai wife, Ms. Phanita, who acted as the local manager. She oversaw financial transactions and arranged mule accounts to receive the victims’ funds.
Once victims transferred money, Mr. Maduabuchi and Ms. Phanita allegedly hired two Thai nationals, Ms. Warisara and Mr. Chalermchai, to withdraw cash from various bank branches. The funds were then handed over to Ms. Phanita at several meeting points before being distributed across accounts to obscure the money trail.
Police say this arrest is part of an ongoing national crackdown against online fraud and romance scams targeting Thai citizens. The TCSD confirmed that further investigations are underway to trace other members of the network operating outside Thailand.
Authorities urged the public to remain cautious when communicating with strangers online. They also advised anyone who suspects they may have fallen victim to a similar scam to report directly to the TCSD or file a complaint through the official cybercrime portal.
