Storytimes Newspapers

  Thai authorities have arrested 13 foreign nationals, including 11 Nigerians and two Ivorians, in a major crackdown on an alleged international romance scam operation based in the Muang Thong Thani area of Nonthaburi province. The raid, carried out on January 19, 2026, by Immigration Police and Pak Kret Police, followed a complaint from a Thai woman who reported losing more than 2 million baht (approximately $60,000 USD) to scammers posing as a wealthy foreign engineer. Police traced suspicious financial transactions to Thai mule accounts, leading investigators to uncover a coordinated network allegedly using fake online profiles to deceive victims—primarily women in Thailand and abroad—into transferring money under the guise of romantic relationships. During the operation at a luxury condominium, officers seized over 34 pieces of evidence, including four computers and 29 mobile phones containing chat logs, fake profiles, and evidence of money laundering. Some suspects reportedly ...