BANGKOK — A Zimbabwean man has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a romance scam that targeted Thai women in Phuket, swindling them out of cash, electronics, and other valuables before fleeing to Bangkok.

Nigerian ‘romance scammers’ arrested in Patong

Tourist police, acting on a Phuket Provincial Court warrant, apprehended 37-year-old Valentive (surname withheld) at a Lat Phrao apartment on August 21. Officers used a delivery driver disguise to avoid alerting the suspect, who worked as an online language teacher.

The arrest followed complaints from multiple women in Kathu, Phuket, who reported being romantically deceived by the suspect. After gaining their trust, he allegedly stole mobile phones, laptops, cash, and other belongings before disappearing. Investigators believe he repeated this pattern with several victims before relocating to Bangkok.

Tourist Police Commander Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueak-am and Deputy Commander Pol Maj Gen Pongsayam Mee-khantong oversaw the operation. Although the suspect admitted his identity, he denied fraud charges, claiming the relationships were genuine. Police rejected his account and are expanding the investigation.

Valentive has been charged with theft and overstaying his visa. He was transferred to Kathu Police Station in Phuket for prosecution.

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Authorities warn the public, especially women engaging with foreigners online, to exercise caution and report suspicious behavior to the Tourist Police hotline 1155 or via their mobile app.

-Thailand News (TN)