Six Nigerians nabbed in Thailand over AI-driven love scam

Thai authorities have arrested six Nigerian nationals over an alleged artificial intelligence-powered romance scam operation uncovered in Nonthaburi, a province near Bangkok, in what investigators described as a sophisticated cyber fraud network targeting vulnerable victims.

The suspects were apprehended on May 22, 2026, after Thai police raided three luxury condominium apartments near the Phra Nangklao Bridge following weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering linked to an earlier cocaine trafficking investigation.

Authorities said suspicious financial transactions traced during the narcotics probe led investigators to the upscale riverside apartments allegedly being used as an operational base for online fraud activities.

According to police, officers were forced to break into the apartments after the suspects allegedly refused to open the doors during the operation.

Investigators disclosed that one of the suspects attempted to flee through a balcony, while another reportedly locked himself inside a bathroom and sent warning text messages to others during the raid.

Security operatives recovered 18 mobile phones, three laptops and several banking-related documents from the apartments.

Police revealed that some of the devices seized during the operation were actively being used for scam-related conversations at the time officers stormed the premises.

Authorities alleged that the group operated an elaborate romance scam syndicate using artificial intelligence-generated images and manipulated video calls to deceive victims.

The suspects were said to have posed as Western professionals, including pilots, United States military officers, doctors and engineers, while allegedly targeting older Thai women through fake online relationships.

Investigators said the victims were emotionally manipulated before being pressured to send money for fabricated expenses such as customs clearance fees and emergency financial assistance.

Thai police further disclosed that the suspects were living in the country on student visas but were allegedly not enrolled in any educational institution or involved in legitimate employment.

The six Nigerians are currently facing charges relating to immigration violations and unlawful association, while authorities indicated that additional fraud-related charges could follow as investigations continue.