Thai police have arrested six Nigerian nationals accused of running an AI-powered romance scam syndicate from a luxury condominium in Nonthaburi, Thailand, following an investigation linked to a cocaine trafficking case.
The suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids carried out on Friday, May 22 at three condominium units located along the Chao Phraya River near Phra Nangklao Bridge. Authorities alleged that the group used fake identities, AI-generated faces and staged video calls to deceive victims, most of whom were older Thai women.
According to police, the investigation began in April after the arrest of a Nigerian man identified as Patrick and three others over cocaine trafficking allegations. During that operation, authorities reportedly seized assets valued at approximately 2.5 million baht.
Investigators later traced financial transactions connected to the drug case to several foreign nationals residing in the upscale condominium complex under student visas. Thai police said the suspects were neither enrolled in school nor employed.
Acting on search warrants, officers raided the apartments after the occupants allegedly refused to grant access. During the operation, one suspect reportedly attempted to flee by climbing over a balcony, while another was found hiding on a bathroom floor while allegedly sending warning messages to occupants in nearby apartments.
Police recovered 18 mobile phones, three laptops and three bank passbooks during the raids. Authorities said some devices were still connected to ongoing conversations with suspected scam victims.
Investigators alleged that the suspects posed online as pilots, United States military officers, doctors and engineers to establish romantic relationships with women before requesting money, claiming expensive packages had been seized by customs and required payment for release.
Police further claimed to have uncovered AI-generated images of Western-looking individuals used in fake video calls, alongside scripts allegedly designed to manipulate victims into sending money.
The six suspects are currently facing preliminary charges, including illegal association and immigration overstay, while authorities say additional fraud and romance scam charges may follow.
