Thai authorities have apprehended six Nigerian nationals suspected of operating a romance scam syndicate from a luxury condominium in Nonthaburi province.
The arrests followed a police operation, codenamed “Dark Room Crackdown,” carried out on Thursday after investigators traced suspicious financial activities to foreign criminal groups operating in the area. The raid targeted three condominium units near Phra Nang Klao Bridge in Bang Kraso, Muang district, under warrants issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court.
During the operation, officers recovered 18 mobile phones, three laptops and three bank books. According to investigators, the electronic devices allegedly contained romance scam conversations, fraud scripts and AI-generated profile photographs used to deceive victims.
Those arrested were identified as Denis, 23; Ejikeme, 24; Ibekwe, 29; Okorom, 26; Nwosu, 30; and Obielu, 35. Authorities said five of the suspects had remained in Thailand long after their visas expired, with overstays ranging from 695 to 1,560 days.
Thai PBS World reported that the suspects entered Thailand on student visas but were neither enrolled in academic programmes nor engaged in legitimate employment despite having bank accounts with significant deposits.
“Police said that the six Nigerians entered Thailand on student visas, but none of them went to any college here, nor do they have any jobs, but their bank accounts show substantial deposits,” Thai PBS World reported.
Police said some of the suspects resisted the operation by refusing to open their doors, forcing officers to gain entry. One allegedly attempted to flee through a balcony, while another was reportedly found in a bathroom sending warning messages to others.
Investigators believe the group used fake online identities portraying professionals such as pilots, military officers, lawyers, engineers and doctors. These profiles were reportedly deployed across social media and messaging platforms, including Facebook Messenger, WeChat, TikTok, Line and Zalo, to establish trust with potential victims.
Authorities alleged that after building romantic relationships online, the suspects would claim that parcels sent from abroad had been seized by customs and then request money from victims to secure their release. Many of the victims were reportedly elderly Thai women.
Following the raid, all six suspects were taken to Rattanathibet Police Station together with the seized items. They were initially charged with belonging to a secret society and violating immigration regulations by overstaying their visas.
Police said additional charges connected to romance scam activities could be filed as investigations continue and authorities liaise with complainants and other police units handling related cases.
According to The Nation Thailand, the suspects admitted to the initial offences at the time of their arrest.