Thai Police Arrest Six Nigerians Over Alleged AI-Powered Romance Scam

Thai authorities have arrested six Nigerian nationals over an alleged artificial intelligence-powered romance scam operation uncovered in Nonthaburi Province, near Bangkok.

Investigators described the operation as a sophisticated cyber fraud network believed to have targeted vulnerable victims through fake online relationships.

The suspects were arrested on 22 May 2026 after Thai police raided three luxury condominium apartments near the Phra Nangklao Bridge following weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering linked to an earlier cocaine trafficking investigation.

According to authorities, suspicious financial transactions uncovered during the narcotics probe led investigators to the upscale riverside apartments, which were allegedly being used as a base for online fraud activities.

Police said officers were forced to break into the apartments after the suspects reportedly refused to open the doors during the operation.

Investigators further disclosed that one of the suspects attempted to escape through a balcony, while another allegedly locked himself inside a bathroom and sent warning text messages to others during the raid.

Security operatives recovered 18 mobile phones, three laptops and several banking documents from the apartments.

Authorities stated that some of the seized devices were being used to engage in scam-related conversations when officers stormed the premises.

Police alleged that the group operated an elaborate romance scam syndicate using artificial intelligence-generated images and manipulated video calls to deceive victims.

The suspects were said to have posed as Western professionals, including pilots, United States military officers, doctors and engineers, while allegedly targeting older Thai women through fake online relationships.

Investigators said the victims were emotionally manipulated before being persuaded to send money for fabricated expenses, including customs clearance charges and emergency financial assistance.

Thai police also revealed that the suspects were residing in the country on student visas but were allegedly neither enrolled in any educational institution nor engaged in legitimate employment.

The six Nigerians are currently facing charges relating to immigration violations and unlawful association, while authorities indicated that additional fraud-related charges may follow as investigations continue.