Three Thai women arrested over romance scam linked to Nigerians

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Thai police have arrested three women accused of involvement in a romance scam network allegedly operated by a group of Nigerians that defrauded victims of more than six billion baht.

According to a foreign news outlet, Bangkok Post, on Monday, the suspects, identified only as Jutharat, Janjira, and Jiraphan, were apprehended on Sunday in Chachoengsao, Nonthaburi, and Yala provinces.

Police said the women face charges of involvement in transnational crime and money laundering.

The operation was led by Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak Bupphasuwan, commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division.

Their arrests followed an investigation into a syndicate believed to have been operating since 2019, using fake online relationships to deceive Thai victims into transferring money through digital platforms.

Investigators alleged that the arrested women were responsible for recruiting individuals to open mule bank accounts used to receive proceeds from the scam.

They reportedly made withdrawals and earned commissions ranging from 2% to 10% on each transaction. Punch