**Breaking News: Nigerian and Thai Romance Scam Gang Arrested for Stealing 800 Million Baht**

In a major breakthrough, a Nigerian man and 13 Thai individuals have been apprehended in connection with a romance scam syndicate that successfully extorted approximately 800 million baht from people in Thailand over a span of three years. The arrests were made during coordinated police operations carried out in seven provinces, including Bangkok.

Reports from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) reveal that the investigations led to 14 raid locations, comprising seven in Bangkok, two in Phitsanulok, and one each in Pathum Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, and Phichit. The CSD commander, Pol Maj Gen Montree Theskhan, disclosed this information on Friday.

During the raids, authorities were able to confiscate essential evidence, including 21 mobile phones, 20 bank account books, a mutual fund book, two computers, five sets of overseas money transfers, a SIM card, three memory cards, and two Chanel bags – all linked to the criminal activities.

The operation was initiated following a complaint made by a victim to the CSD police last year. As per the victim’s account, they fell into the trap of a gang member who presented themselves as an attractive American female soldier stationed in Syria. The scammer convinced the victim of a deep affection and expressed intentions of visiting Thailand. Exploiting trust, the scammer claimed to have sent valuable parcels to the victim, but these were held up at the airport due to taxes. To resolve the issue, the victim was forced to pay the alleged taxes, with promises of reimbursement.

The scammer then involved a Thai accomplice who posed as an airport staff member. Utilizing phone calls, the victim was coerced into making multiple transfers totaling over a million baht for purported tax and service fees. Once the money was obtained, the scammers disappeared, leaving the victim defrauded and unable to contact them.

Following extensive investigations, led by Pol Lt Col Akkharaphon Maneewan, CSD’s subdivision 1 deputy superintendent, it was discovered that the gang consisted of both Thai and Nigerian nationals. The Nigerian man at the center of the operation has been identified as Ezeneche Uzochukwu Jerome, 45, who had previously been arrested in 2018 for similar offenses but resumed his fraudulent activities after being released.

Further investigations by the CSD revealed that the stolen funds were immediately transferred to overseas bank accounts. Between 2018 and 2021, an estimated 800 million baht had been illicitly funneled out of Thailand through these foreign accounts.

Subsequently, the CSD obtained court approval to apprehend the Nigerian suspect and his 13 Thai accomplices. They are currently held in CSD police custody, awaiting legal action.

This successful operation serves as a significant blow to romance scam syndicates operating in Thailand, providing justice to victims and deterring future crimes. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against similar scams and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement immediately.