A Nigerian man and six Thai nationals have been arrested by Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) in a sweeping crackdown on a large-scale romance scam ring.
Authorities say the group allegedly defrauded victims of more than ฿114 million by using fake online profiles of attractive foreign men to deceive individuals into sending money. The coordinated operation, codenamed “Romance 114,” was launched on November 7, 2025, under the directive of Pol. Maj. Gen. Chanannat Sarathwanphaet, TCSD Commander.
TCSD officers led by Pol. Col. Chitsanupong Waidee carried out raids across locations in Bangkok and Chonburi province, arresting six suspects:
Ms. Warisara, 20
Mr. Chalermchai, 23
Ms. Phanita, 31
Mr. Maduabuchi, 31 (Nigerian)
Ms. Kesinee, 28
Ms. Sariya, 40
All were detained under Criminal Court warrants and face multiple charges, including fraud, impersonation, gang-related offenses, inputting false information into computer systems, conspiracy to launder money, and money laundering.
Investigators seized more than ฿2.5 million in suspected illegal assets, including cash, bank accounts, and digital currency. The investigation began after a victim alerted TCSD Division 3 to fraudulent social media accounts using photos of foreign men.
Police said the scam was highly organized, with each member playing a specific role. The group’s Nigerian ringleader reportedly directed activities from abroad, while Mr. Maduabuchi worked with his Thai wife, Ms. Phanita, who coordinated local operations and arranged mule accounts.
Once victims transferred funds, Ms. Warisara and Mr. Chalermchai were hired to withdraw the cash and hand it over to Ms. Phanita at various meeting points.
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