Thai police have arrested six Nigerian men in Nonthaburi over an alleged romance scam operation that reportedly used artificial intelligence-generated images and fake video calls to deceive victims.…....
According to reports, the suspects, aged between 23 and 35, were arrested during a police raid on May 22, 2026, at a luxury condominium along the Chao Phraya River.
Authorities said the suspects were living in several high-end apartment units near Phra Nangklao Bridge under student visas, although investigations allegedly revealed they were neither attending school nor involved in legal employment.
Police disclosed that the operation followed an earlier drug investigation in April involving a Nigerian man identified as Patrick and three others.
According to investigators, financial transactions and assets worth about 2.5 million baht uncovered during the earlier probe later led authorities to the alleged scam network.
Police reports indicate that the suspects allegedly used fake identities online, posing as pilots, doctors, engineers, and United States military officers.
Investigators claim the group mainly targeted older Thai women by building romantic relationships online before convincing them to send money.
According to police, victims were allegedly told that valuable packages had been held by customs officials and required payment before release.
Authorities further revealed that the suspects allegedly used AI-generated Western faces to create fake video calls and also used prepared scripts to emotionally manipulate victims.
Police stated that some victims reportedly emptied their savings after trusting the conversations and believing the relationships were genuine.
During the raid, officers reportedly seized 18 mobile phones, three laptops, and several bank documents.
Authorities added that although some suspects allegedly attempted to escape or hide during the operation, all six men were eventually arrested.
