Thai police arrest six Nigerians over alleged AI-powered romance scam network

Thai police have detained six Nigerian nationals who are believed to be part of an AI‑driven romance scam ring that operated out of a luxury condominium in Nonthaburi. The arrests followed an investigation that began with a cocaine trafficking case.

The coordinated raids took place on May 22 at three apartments near Phra Nangklao Bridge along the Chao Phraya River. Police said the suspects lived in groups within the building and used forged identities, AI‑generated images and fake video calls to defraud victims, most of whom were elderly Thai women.

Investigators report that the operation started in April after a Nigerian man named Patrick and three other suspects were arrested on cocaine trafficking charges. During that earlier raid, authorities seized assets worth an estimated 2.5 million baht.

Financial records from the narcotics investigation led police to several foreign nationals living in the high‑end condominium on student visas. Authorities stated that none of the suspects were actually enrolled in school or engaged in lawful employment.

Details of the operation were released in a viral video posted on X by Cambodia‑based crime researcher Jacob Sims, who uses the handle @jacobincambodia.

Armed with search warrants, officers entered the apartments after occupants allegedly refused to grant them access. One suspect tried to escape via a balcony, while another was found hiding in a bathroom and reportedly sent warning messages to residents in nearby units.

During the searches, police seized 18 mobile phones, three laptops and three bank passbooks. Investigators noted that some devices were still logged into ongoing conversations with suspected scam victims.

Authorities allege that the syndicate created online profiles posing as pilots, doctors, engineers and United States military officers to establish romantic relationships with women. Victims were later told that valuable parcels had been seized by customs officials and that money was needed to secure their release.

Police also discovered AI‑generated photographs of Western‑looking individuals allegedly used during deceptive video calls, along with prepared scripts intended to manipulate victims into sending funds.