Thai police have arrested three women identified as ring leaders, accused of involvement in a romance scam syndicate 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, 35; Chanjira, 29; and Jiraporn, 32; were apprehended on Sunday in Chachoengsao, Nonthaburi, and Yala provinces.
Police said the women face multiple charges, including participation in a transnational criminal organization, membership in a secret society, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and collusion in money laundering.
Jutharat was apprehended in Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao province; Chanjira on Rattanathibet Road in Nonthaburi; and Jiraporn in Betong district, Yala province. All three were transferred to CSD’s division 1 for further legal proceedings. They denied all allegations during preliminary questioning.
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.