BANGKOK — Thai police have dismantled a major romance scam network led by a Nigerian national and five Thai accomplices accused of defrauding victims of more than 114 million baht.
The arrests came during Operation Romance 114, conducted by the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) across Bangkok and Chon Buri.
Police Major General Chanannat Sarathwanphaet, TCSD Commander, confirmed that Nigerian suspect Ummaduabuchu, also known as Bonsi, was arrested along with his Thai wife Phanita and four others — Warisara, Chalermchai, Kesinee, and Sariya.
The group faces multiple charges, including fraud, conspiracy, money laundering, computer crimes, and impersonation. Police seized 2.5 million baht in assets, believed to be proceeds from the scheme.
Investigators said the gang posed as attractive foreign men on social media to gain victims’ trust before persuading them to send money under false pretences.
“The operation was well-structured, with each suspect playing a distinct role,” said Police Colonel Chitsanupong Waidee, who led the raid.
According to police, Ummaduabuchu coordinated the scam from overseas, directing operations through his wife Phanita, who handled Thai bank accounts and money transfers.
Warisara and Chalermchai withdrew the funds and delivered them to Ummaduabuchu, who allegedly converted the cash into Nigerian currency. The money was then funneled through Chinine Collins, another Nigerian suspect still at large, and his wife Sariya, with Kesinee’s assistance in laundering funds via cryptocurrency.
Each participant reportedly received 3–4% commission from the stolen funds, according to KhaoSod.
“All six suspects have confessed,” said the TCSD, confirming they were handed over to Division 3 investigators for prosecution.
Police are continuing efforts to locate Collins and expand the probe into other members of the international scam network.
