Major Romance Scam Network Busted in Thailand
Thai authorities have successfully dismantled a sophisticated international romance scam syndicate, leading to the arrest of a Nigerian national and five Thai accomplices. The criminal network is accused of orchestrating a large-scale online fraud operation that swindled victims out of more than ฿114 million.
Operation "Romance 114" and Coordinated Raids
The crackdown, codenamed Operation "Romance 114", was initiated on November 7, 2025, following direct orders from Pol. Maj. Gen. Chanannat Sarathwanphaet, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD). Under the leadership of Pol. Col. Chitsanupong Waidee, Superintendent of TCSD’s 3rd Division, coordinated raids were executed simultaneously in Bangkok and Chonburi province.
The operation led to the apprehension of six suspects:
- Ms. Warisara, 20
- Mr. Chalermchai, 23
- Ms. Phanita, 31
- Mr. Maduabuchi, 31 (Nigerian)
- Ms. Kesinee, 28
- Ms. Sariya, 40
All suspects were arrested based on warrants issued by the Criminal Court and now face a series of serious charges.
How the Elaborate Scam Operated
Investigators revealed that the scam was highly organized, with each participant assigned specific, systematic roles. The network created fake social media profiles using photographs of attractive foreign men to lure potential victims.
According to police, the scheme was directed from abroad by a Nigerian leader. Locally, Mr. Maduabuchi, the arrested Nigerian national, coordinated with his Thai wife, Ms. Phanita, who acted as the local coordinator. Her primary role involved arranging mule accounts to receive funds transferred by victims who were deceived by the fake online personas.
Once victims transferred money, Ms. Warisara and Mr. Chalermchai were allegedly hired to withdraw the cash. The withdrawn money was then delivered to Ms. Phanita at various pre-arranged meeting points.
The investigation was launched after a victim filed a formal complaint with the TCSD Division 3, reporting fake social media accounts being used for fraudulent activities.
As a result of the operation, authorities seized assets believed to be proceeds of the illegal activities, totaling more than ฿2.5 million. The seized assets included cash, bank accounts, and digital assets.
The suspects have been charged with multiple offenses including:
- Colluding in fraud
- Impersonating others
- Participating in a criminal gang
- Entering false information into computer systems
- Conspiracy to launder money
- Money laundering
