Thai police have arrested six Nigerian nationals accused of operating an AI-powered romance scam syndicate from a luxury condominium in Nonthaburi, following an investigation linked to a cocaine trafficking case.
The suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids carried out on May 22 at three condominium units located along the Chao Phraya River near Phra Nangklao Bridge.
Authorities said the suspects, who reportedly lived in groups of five or six per apartment, used fake identities, AI-generated images and staged video calls to defraud victims, mainly elderly Thai women.
Police disclosed that the investigation began in April after officers arrested a Nigerian man identified as Patrick alongside three others over alleged cocaine trafficking.
During the operation, assets valued at about 2.5 million baht were reportedly seized.
According to a trending video shared on X by a Cambodia-based crime researcher with the handle @jacobincambodia, investigators later traced financial transactions connected to the drug case to several foreign nationals residing in the upscale condominium complex on student visas.
Police said none of the suspects were enrolled in any educational institution or engaged in lawful employment.
Armed with search warrants, officers stormed the apartments after the occupants allegedly refused to open their doors.
During the raid, one suspect reportedly attempted to flee by climbing over a balcony, while another was allegedly discovered hiding on a bathroom floor while sending warning messages to occupants in the other apartments.
Authorities recovered 18 mobile phones, three laptops and three bank passbooks from the apartments.
Police added that some of the phones were still connected to active conversations with suspected scam victims at the time of the operation.
Investigators alleged that the syndicate posed online as pilots, United States military officers, doctors and engineers to establish romantic relationships with women before demanding money under the pretext that expensive parcels had been seized by customs officials and required payment for release.
Police also claimed they discovered AI-generated images of Western-looking individuals used for fake video calls, alongside scripts allegedly designed to manipulate victims into transferring money.
The six suspects are currently facing initial charges bordering on illegal association and immigration overstay, while authorities said additional fraud and romance scam charges are expected.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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