Thai authorities have arrested a 24-year-old Nigerian national, Chinedu Theophilus Ezike, over alleged involvement in a romance scam operation targeting women in the Southeast Asian country.
According to local reports, Ezike was apprehended after security operatives reportedly observed him acting suspiciously while withdrawing money.
A search conducted on him allegedly led to the recovery of six mobile phones, 10 ATM cards bearing different names and about 20,000 baht in cash.
The discovery reportedly prompted police to raid his apartment located in the Bang Sri Muang area, where officers allegedly recovered about 40 additional mobile phones believed to have been used in carrying out online fraud activities.
Authorities claimed preliminary investigations linked the suspect to several romance scam cases, with police also identifying a Thai woman believed to be his wife as part of ongoing investigations.
Reports further stated that investigators suspected the duo of having connections to at least 20 related fraud cases.
Police alleged that Ezike posed online as a wealthy Nigerian prince to deceive women into sending him money under false pretences.
Speaking on the development, Police Colonel Phrut Jamroonsart said the suspect denied allegations relating to unlawful possession of electronic payment cards belonging to other individuals.
Thai authorities, however, disclosed that the Nigerian would remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations before being transferred to immigration officials.
The arrest comes amid a recent crackdown on alleged criminal activities involving foreign nationals in Thailand.
Earlier this week, another Nigerian identified simply as Obi was reportedly arrested over alleged links to a romance scam and drug trafficking network operating in the country.
Similarly, a Nigeria student based in Thailand, Louis Junior, was recently apprehended during a sting operation over allegations of attempting to sell cocaine to undercover police officers in Bangkok.
Authorities said the operation formed part of efforts to dismantle networks allegedly involved in drug trafficking and online scams across the country.
Meanwhile, Ezike’s arrest has triggered mixed reactions on social media, with some users making sweeping allegations against Nigerians living abroad.
