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| Thai Police Bust AI Romance Scam Ring: Six Nigerians Arrested in Luxury Condo Raid |
Nonthaburi, Thailand – May 23, 2026
Thai police have arrested six Nigerian nationals accused of running a sophisticated AI-powered romance scam from a luxury condominium in Nonthaburi. The arrests were made on May 22 during a coordinated operation codenamed “Dark Room Crackdown”.
Officers from Thailand’s Metropolitan Police Bureau stormed three units of an upscale riverside condominium near Phra Nangklao Bridge after suspects refused to open their doors. Police said one suspect attempted to flee via a balcony while another hid in a bathroom, sending warning texts to other units.
Bodycam footage now circulating online shows tactical officers forcing entry and detaining shirtless suspects. Police confirmed the raid followed weeks of surveillance.
According to investigators, the group targeted mostly older Thai women using advanced deception tactics:
1. AI-Generated Identities: Suspects created realistic foreign profiles using AI-generated faces and deepfake video calls.
2. Fake Personas: Posed as pilots, U.S. military officers, doctors, engineers, and lawyers to build trust.
3. The “Customs Fee” Hook: After weeks of romantic grooming, victims were told a parcel was held at customs and needed a 5,000-baht release fee.
Police seized 18 mobile phones, 3 laptops, and 3 bank books during the raid. Some phones were still open with active scam conversations. Devices also contained prepared scripts and AI face generation tools.
The six men arrested are: Denis, 23; Ejikeme, 24; Ibekwe, 29; Okorom, 26; Nwosu, 30; and Obielu, 35. Five had overstayed their Thai visas by 695 to 1,560 days. All entered Thailand on student visas but were not enrolled in school or employed.
Police said the investigation began in April after a cocaine trafficking bust involving a Nigerian man identified as Patrick. Financial transactions from that case led investigators to the luxury condo where the six suspects lived together.
Charges and Next Steps
The suspects face initial charges of membership in a secret society and overstaying their visas. Thai police confirmed that romance-scam and cybercrime charges will follow after coordinating with victims and local stations.
All six were taken to Rattanathibet Police Station with the seized evidence. Police say the suspects confessed to the initial charges during the arrest.
Part of Wider Crackdown
Thai authorities say this operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational cybercrime networks exploiting AI tools. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the fraud and identify victims.
The case has sparked renewed warnings from Thai police for citizens to be cautious of online relationships, especially those involving requests for money or personal data.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more details emerge from investigators.
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