Three Thai women have been arrested for their alleged roles in a transnational romance scam network operated by Nigerian nationals, which defrauded victims of over six billion baht (approximately $165 million USD). The arrests took place across three provinces in Thailand and mark a significant breakthrough in the crackdown on international cyber fraud.
In a coordinated operation led by Thailand’s Crime Suppression Division (CSD) and Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), three Thai women were arrested on Sunday, November 2, 2025, for their alleged involvement in a massive romance scam network linked to Nigerian nationals.
The suspects—identified as Jutharat (36), Chanjira (29), and Jiraporn (32)—were apprehended in separate provinces: Chachoengsao, Nonthaburi, and Yala. Authorities believe they acted as key facilitators in the scam, helping launder money and manage mule accounts used to funnel funds from victims to foreign criminal gangs.
According to police reports, the scam involved creating fake online personas to lure victims into romantic relationships, eventually persuading them to transfer large sums of money. The network is believed to have caused financial damage exceeding six billion baht. The women now face multiple charges including:
- Participation in a transnational criminal organization
- Membership in a secret society
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering
- Collusion in money laundering
The arrests followed months of investigation into the syndicate’s operations, which spanned multiple countries and relied heavily on digital platforms to target victims. The suspects were transferred to CSD Division 1 for further legal proceedings. All three have denied the charges.
This case is part of a broader crackdown on romance scams in Thailand. In a separate but related operation, authorities recently arrested six individuals—including two Nigerian men—for similar offenses involving over 50 million baht in damages.
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