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  • Thai Police Arrest Six Nigerians Over Alleged Romance Scam Operation in Luxury Condominium

    At least six Nigerian citizens have been arrested by Thai police during a raid on a luxury condominium in Nonthaburi province over an alleged romance scam operation.

    According to reports by Thai media outlets, the operation, code-named “Dark Room Crackdown,” was carried out on Thursday following investigations into suspicious financial transactions linked to foreign criminal networks.

    Police Recover Phones, Laptops During Raid

    Authorities reportedly stormed three condominium units near Phra Nang Klao Bridge in Bang Kraso district after obtaining search warrants from the Nonthaburi Provincial Court.

    During the operation, police recovered 18 mobile phones, three laptop computers and three bank books allegedly connected to online fraud activities.

    Investigators also claimed the devices contained romance scam conversations, scam scripts and AI-generated profile pictures used to deceive victims online.

    The suspects were identified as Denis, Ejikeme, Ibekwe, Okorom, Nwosu and Obielu, aged between 23 and 35 years.

    Five Suspects Allegedly Overstayed Visas

    Thai authorities disclosed that five of the six Nigerians allegedly overstayed their visas for periods ranging from 695 days to over 1,500 days.

    Police also claimed the suspects entered Thailand on student visas but were unable to provide proof of attending school or engaging in legitimate employment.

    According to investigators, their bank accounts reportedly showed unusually large financial deposits.

    Authorities Allege Online Romance Scam Scheme

    Police alleged the suspects created fake online identities posing as professionals such as pilots, lawyers, engineers, soldiers and doctors on social media platforms including Facebook Messenger, TikTok, WeChat, Line and Zalo.

    The alleged scheme reportedly involved building romantic relationships with victims before requesting money to clear fake overseas parcels allegedly seized by customs authorities.

    Authorities said many of the alleged victims were older Thai women.

    Attempted Escape During Operation

    Reports also claimed some of the suspects initially refused to open their apartment doors, forcing officers to break in.

    One suspect allegedly attempted to escape through a balcony, while another was reportedly caught hiding in a bathroom trying to alert others through text messages.

    The suspects were later transferred to Rattanathibet Police Station alongside the recovered items.

    Thai police said the men were initially charged with membership of a secret society and visa overstay offences, adding that more charges linked to romance scam activities could follow after further investigations.