Romance scam busted, 14 Thais and 1 Nigerian arrested.
A romance scam gang has been exposed with 14 Thai suspects and 1 Nigerian suspect. Police found over 800 Million THB transferred out of Thailand. Police Major General Montri Teskan along with related officials reported the arrest of the Romance Scam members on 25 August 2023. Police searched 14 locations connected to the gang, 7 located in Bangkok, 1 in Pathum Thani Province, 2 in Phitsanulok Province, 1 in Uthai Thani Province, 1 in Uttaradit Province, 1 in Kamphaeng Phet Province, and 1 in Phichit Province. The investigation led to 14 suspects and evidence including 21 phones, 18 ATM cards, 1 mutual funds bank book, 2 computers, 1 sim card, 3 SD cards, and 2 Chanel bags.
Police stated a suspect made a complaint to the police about a group that contacted her through social media. The profile used a female foreigner’s name and pictures claiming she was in the US military on a mission in Syria. The two became very close and not long after the foreigner stated she was about to travel to Thailand because she was in love with the victim. She also claimed to have sent a parcel that was stuck in customs and required money to get the box out. Once the victim received the information, a Thai person from the group would call the victim claiming to be an official. The victim transferred over 1 million THB believing it was going to the Thai customs. After a certain point, the group cut off all contact and disappeared with the money.
An investigation was started and revealed many persons were involved. The Nigerian suspect named Ezeneche Uzochukwu Jerome 45 years old. Jerome has been arrested before with similar charges, but he never learns. As for the funds, the group would the money out of the country as soon as the victim transfers it into the Thai account. From 2018 to 2022 over 800 million THB was moved out of the country. One of the suspects stated she met with her Nigerian boyfriend at a nightclub. He hired her to work in the romance scam gang. She continued working after splitting up with her boyfriend and would receive a percentage from the scams.
FB Caption: Over 800M THB was moved out of Thailand within 5 years.
Source: Khaosod
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