Three Thai women have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a romance scam network run by a group of Nigerians that defrauded victims of more than six billion baht.
The suspects, identified only as Jutharat, Janjira and Jiraphan, were apprehended on Sunday in Chachoengsao, Nonthaburi and Yala provinces on charges of involvement in transnational crime and money laundering, said Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak Bupphasuwan, commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division, on Monday.
Their arrests followed an investigation into a scam network believed to have been operated by a group of Nigerians since 2019, Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak said.
The gang allegedly lured Thai victims into fake online relationships before concocting stories to persuade them to transfer money through various digital channels. Police said the total losses amounted to more than six billion baht.
According to investigators, the three arrested women were allegedly responsible for recruiting people to open mule bank accounts used to receive money from victims. They also made cash withdrawals and reportedly earned commissions of between 2% and 10% of the total amount each time.
The suspects have denied the charges. Police said the investigation is ongoing.