Thai police have arrested six Nigerians in Nonthaburi, Thailand, in a crackdown on romance scams targeting Thai women, seizing phones, laptops, cash, and other electronic devices from the suspects. The operation, codenamed “Dark Room Crackdown,” took place near Phra Nang Klao Bridge in Bang Kraso, Muang district, on Friday. The suspects—identified as Dennis, Ejikeme, Ibekwe, Okorom, Nwosu, and Obielu—are accused of running a fraudulent scheme using AI-generated photos on social media to deceive and defraud Thai women. Authorities also confirmed that all six had overstayed their visas, with some remaining in the country for over four years without legal authorization.
The Nigerian nationals entered Thailand on student visas, but police found no records of their attendance at any educational institutions or evidence of formal employment. The group lived together and operated as a coordinated network, using digital tools to carry out their scams. Thai law enforcement officials stated that the suspects exploited AI technology to create fake profiles and build romantic relationships online, ultimately tricking victims into sending money under false pretenses. This method has become increasingly common in transnational cybercrime, especially in Southeast Asia.
Among the arrested, Dennis, 23, overstayed his visa by 726 days, while Ejikeme, 24, remained in Thailand illegally for 827 days. Ibekwe, 29, had overstayed by 1,166 days, and Okorom, 26, by 695 days. Nwosu, 30, had overstayed for a staggering 1,560 days, and Obielu’s period of overstaying was not disclosed. These figures highlight the prolonged illegal presence of the suspects in Thailand, raising concerns about immigration enforcement and the vulnerability of the country to organized cybercrime.
The Thai police emphasized that the suspects’ actions violated both immigration laws and cybercrime regulations. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify additional members of the network and trace the flow of stolen funds. The case underscores the growing threat of romance scams, particularly those involving foreign nationals operating from abroad. Nigeria has been frequently linked to such crimes, with multiple arrests reported in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines in recent years.
This crackdown reflects Thailand’s increasing efforts to combat cybercrime and protect its citizens from online fraud. As digital platforms continue to evolve, so do the tactics of scammers, making it essential for governments to strengthen border controls and digital surveillance. The arrest of these six Nigerians sends a strong message to others involved in similar activities. It also highlights the need for greater international cooperation in tackling transnational cybercrime. The case is expected to be prosecuted under Thai law, and the suspects may face deportation upon conviction. This incident serves as a warning to those who exploit legal entry routes to engage in illegal activities abroad.
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