Three Thai women arrested for alleged involvement in Nigerian romance scam
The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has apprehended three Thai women suspected of leading a significant cross-border romance scam network, which has reportedly caused financial losses amounting to nearly 6 billion baht, as reported by PPTV.
The suspects were identified as Jutharat, 36; Chanjira, 29; and Jiraporn, 32. They face multiple charges, including participation in a transnational criminal organisation, membership in a secret society, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and collusion in money laundering.
Jutharat was arrested in Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao province; Chanjira on Rattanathibet Road in Nonthaburi; and Jiraporn in Betong district, Yala province. All three were handed over to CSD’s division 1 for further legal action. During initial questioning, they denied all accusations.
Since 2019, police investigations uncovered that a group of Nigerian nationals had been running a romance scam, tricking Thai women into online relationships through various social media platforms. After gaining their trust, the victims were convinced to transfer money, leading to total losses exceeding 6 billion baht.
The three Thai suspects were said to play significant roles in the network, working as coordinators who recruited others to set up mule accounts for receiving and withdrawing money from victims. They were reportedly paid commissions between 2% and 10% of the withdrawn sums.
After collecting solid evidence, CSD investigators secured arrest warrants from the Criminal Court for the three women, resulting in their arrest and prosecution.
