NONTHABURI – Immigration and local police have dismantled an international romance scam ring based in Muang Thong Thani, arresting 13 foreign nationals in coordinated raids on January 19, 2026. The suspects, comprising 11 Nigerians and two Ivorians, were apprehended while some were actively chatting with victims online and others attempted to flee the scene.

Thai Police Dismantle Nigerian-Thai ‘Romance 114’ Scam Network in Major Crackdown

The investigation began after a Thai woman in Nong Khai filed a complaint in late 2025, reporting that she had been deceived through Facebook and Line by a profile posing as a Chinese engineer named “Bingwen Fu.” After building a romantic relationship, the scammer claimed to be unable to access funds for a construction project and convinced the victim to transfer over 2 million baht into mule accounts.

Police traced the transactions, charged the Thai account holders, and later identified the organized network behind the scheme. The group operated from a condominium in Nonthaburi, with members assigned specific roles such as scammers, money withdrawers, and account recruiters.

Following a tip-off, Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyaluck ordered a joint operation. During the afternoon raid, officers found suspects engaged in live romance scams on electronic devices. Some tried to escape barefoot but were captured.

Eight suspects had overstayed their visas, while five Nigerians admitted to entering Thailand illegally via the Laos border. All face charges of overstaying and illegal entry.

Authorities seized 34 electronic devices, including computers and mobile phones, which contained evidence of coordinated scams impersonating wealthy European and Asian nationals to target Thai and foreign women. Investigators also found links to the Nong Khai case and evidence that funds were sent to Nigeria via cryptocurrency.

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Police are expanding the investigation to dismantle the wider network and identify additional accomplices.

-Thailand News (TN)