At least 11 Nigerians were arrested after Thai immigration and police operatives dismantled a suspected 13-member international romance scam syndicate in the Muang Thong Thani area of Thailand.

The arrests, carried out on Monday, were reported by local media on Thursday.

Investigations reportedly began after a Thai woman filed a complaint in 2025, claiming she was defrauded by a Facebook user with whom she had developed a romantic relationship. The suspect, who allegedly posed as a Chinese engineer, convinced her to transfer over two million baht to a mule account.

According to the report, the investigation was prompted by a complaint from a woman in Nong Khai. She stated that she had been deceived via Facebook and Line by a profile using the name “Bingwen Fu.” After establishing a romantic relationship, the scammer claimed he could not access funds for a construction project and persuaded the victim to transfer large sums into mule accounts.

Police traced the transactions, charged the account holders, and identified the organised network operating from a condominium in Nonthaburi. Members of the group were reportedly assigned specific roles, including scammers, money withdrawers, and account recruiters.

Following intelligence gathering, Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyaluck ordered a joint operation. Officers discovered the suspects conducting live romance scams on electronic devices. Thirteen suspects—11 Nigerians and two Ivorians—were arrested at the hideout, some attempting to flee barefoot but later apprehended.

Authorities noted that eight suspects had overstayed their visas, while five Nigerians had entered Thailand illegally through the Laos border. All face charges related to visa violations and illegal entry.

During the raid, police seized 34 electronic devices, including computers and mobile phones, containing evidence of coordinated scams. The suspects reportedly impersonated wealthy European and Asian nationals to target Thai and foreign women. Investigators also uncovered links to the Nong Khai case, with funds traced to Nigeria via cryptocurrency. The police continue to expand the investigation to dismantle the wider network and identify additional accomplices.

The arrests come shortly after another Nigerian was apprehended in Thailand for alleged drug-related offences. Ukoma Jefta Nuzbech was arrested in the Koh Pha Ngan area after reportedly fleeing an ongoing trial over a drug-peddling case. He had allegedly sold 25.71 grams of cocaine to an undercover officer in March 2025.