Thai immigration and police authorities have arrested 11 Nigerians in connection with a suspected international romance fraud syndicate operating in the Muang Thong Thani area, local media reported on Thursday. Two Ivorians were also detained during the operation.

The arrests followed a coordinated raid on Monday, prompted by a complaint filed in late 2025 by a Thai woman in Nong Khai. She alleged that a Facebook user posing as a Chinese engineer, identified online as “Bingwen Fu,” built a romantic relationship with her before claiming he could not access funds for a construction project. The victim was reportedly persuaded to transfer over two million baht into accounts later identified as mule accounts.

Investigators tracked the financial transactions, arrested the Thai account holders involved, and uncovered a well-organized criminal network operating from a condominium in Nonthaburi. The syndicate reportedly assigned members specific roles, including online scammers, cash handlers, and bank account recruiters.

During the raid, officers found the suspects actively conducting live romance scams using electronic devices. Some suspects attempted to flee barefoot but were apprehended. Authorities revealed that eight suspects had overstayed their visas, while five Nigerians admitted entering Thailand illegally through the Laos border. All face charges related to visa violations and illegal entry.

Security operatives seized 34 electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones, containing evidence of coordinated fraud. Investigators said the scheme involved impersonation of wealthy European and Asian personalities to target Thai and foreign women, with proceeds allegedly transferred to Nigeria via cryptocurrency.

Thai police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to dismantle the broader network and identify additional collaborators. The arrests come just a week after another Nigerian, Ukoma Jefta Nuzbech, was arrested in Thailand over alleged drug offences.