Thai Police Arrest Six Nigerians in AI Romance Scam

On May 22, Thai police arrested six Nigerians in Nonthaburi, Thailand, as part of an investigation into an alleged AI-powered romance scam network. The operation, which began in April, was linked to a cocaine trafficking case involving a Nigerian man identified as Patrick.

The police conducted coordinated raids on three apartments near the Phra Nangklao Bridge along the Chao Phraya River, where the suspects were believed to reside. During the raids, police confiscated assets estimated at 2.5 million baht and recovered 18 mobile phones, three laptops, and three bank passbooks.

The investigation revealed that the suspects used fabricated identities and AI-generated images to create fake video calls, deceiving mainly elderly Thai women into establishing romantic relationships. Victims were later informed that valuable parcels were seized by customs officials, requiring them to send money for release.

The suspects allegedly attempted to escape during the raid and sent warning messages to others in nearby apartments.