Thai authorities have arrested three women allegedly connected to an international romance scam network reportedly operated by a group of Nigerians, which defrauded victims of more than six billion baht.
According to a report by the Bangkok Post on Monday, the suspects—identified only by their first names, Jutharat, Janjira, and Jiraphan—were apprehended in coordinated raids across Chachoengsao, Nonthaburi, and Yala provinces on Sunday.
Police said the trio face charges related to transnational crime and money laundering**. The operation was led by Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak Bupphasuwan, Commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD).
Authorities explained that the arrests stemmed from a long-running investigation into a scam network that has been active since 2019, preying on Thai victims through fake online romantic relationships. The syndicate allegedly persuaded victims to transfer large sums of money via digital platforms under false pretenses.
Investigators believe the three women acted as local facilitators for the criminal group, helping to recruit people to open **mule bank accounts** used to receive the illicit funds. They were also accused of making cash withdrawals and receiving commissions ranging between 2% and 10% of the total transactions.
Police disclosed that all three suspects have denied the allegations. However, investigations are ongoing as authorities continue to track other members of the syndicate and trace the movement of the stolen funds.
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