BANGKOK / CHONBURI – Thai authorities have dismantled a sophisticated transnational romance scam syndicate, arresting six individuals in a coordinated operation dubbed “Romance 114.” The network, allegedly orchestrated by a Nigerian mastermind and involving Thai accomplices, is accused of defrauding victims of more than 114 million baht through fake online profiles of attractive foreign men.

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The operation, led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Chanannath Saratavalpais, culminated in simultaneous raids across Bangkok and Chonburi on November 7th, 2025. Those apprehended include Nigerian national Emmadua Abushu, also known as Bonzee, aged 31; his Thai wife, 31-year-old Phanita; and four other Thai accomplices. The suspects face a range of charges, including fraud, money laundering, and participating in a transnational criminal organization.

Three Thai women have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a romance scam network run by a group of Nigerians that defrauded victims of more than six billion baht.

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Investigators revealed the network employed a highly organized structure. The Nigerian ringleader, operating from abroad, directed the scheme, while Emmadua Abushu and Phanita managed local operations in Thailand. Their activities included recruiting partners and establishing a complex web of bank accounts to receive and launder the illicit funds. After deceiving victims into transferring money, the syndicate allegedly converted the proceeds into cash, digital assets, and cryptocurrency to obscure the financial trail.

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Authorities have seized assets valued at over 2.5 million baht. While the primary suspects in custody have confessed, police confirmed that one key member, Chinene Collin, remains at large after fleeing the country. The investigation continues as officials work to trace the full extent of the laundered money and identify all victims defrauded by the elaborate network.

-Thailand News (TN)