By Ghazali Ibrahim
Thai authorities have arrested six Nigerian nationals in Nonthaburi province over their alleged involvement in a romance scam network that reportedly targeted victims through social media and messaging platforms.
According to Thai media reports, the suspects were apprehended during a police operation dubbed “Dark Room Crackdown”, carried out on Thursday at a luxury riverside condominium near Phra Nang Klao Bridge in Bang Kraso, Muang district.
The operation followed investigations into suspected foreign criminal networks linked to unusual financial transactions. Officers executed search warrants on three condominium units after obtaining approval from the Nonthaburi Provincial Court.
During the raid, police reportedly recovered 18 mobile phones, three laptop computers and three bank books. Investigators said the electronic devices contained alleged scam conversations, scripts used in fraudulent schemes and AI-generated profile images.
The suspects were identified as Denis (23), Ejikeme (24), Ibekwe (29), Okorom (26), Nwosu (30) and Obielu (35).
Thai authorities said five of the six Nigerians had overstayed their visas, with the periods of overstay ranging from 695 days to 1,560 days.
Thai PBS World reported that the suspects had entered Thailand on student visas but were allegedly unable to provide evidence of school attendance or legitimate employment despite records showing significant deposits in their bank accounts.
Police said some of the suspects attempted to evade arrest during the operation. One reportedly tried to escape through a balcony, while another was allegedly found hiding in a bathroom and attempting to send warning messages to others.
Investigators accused the group of creating fake online identities and posing as professionals such as pilots, soldiers, lawyers, engineers and doctors on platforms including Facebook Messenger, WeChat, TikTok, Line and Zalo.
Authorities alleged that the suspects built online relationships with victims before claiming that parcels sent from overseas had been detained by customs authorities and requesting payments to secure their release. Many of the victims were reportedly elderly Thai women.
The suspects have been transferred to Rattanathibet Police Station along with the items recovered during the raid.
They are currently facing preliminary charges related to membership of a secret society and visa overstays, while Thai police said additional charges connected to alleged romance scam activities could be filed as investigations continue.
According to The Nation Thailand, the six suspects admitted to the initial charges at the time of their arrest.
