Thailand Police arrest 24 Year old Nigerian over Romance Scam, Recover 40 Phones [PHOTOS]

A 24-year-old Nigerian national, Chinedu Theophilus Ezike, has been arrested in Thailand over allegations of running a romance sc+m targeting vulnerable women.

According to reports, Thai authorities became suspicious after spotting Ezike allegedly acting nervously while withdrawing money. A search of his bag reportedly led to the discovery of six mobile phones, 10 ATM cards bearing different names, and 20,000 baht in cash.

The discovery prompted police to raid his apartment in the Bang Sri Muang area, where officers allegedly recovered 40 additional phones believed to have been used for sc+m operations.

Investigators also linked Ezike to a Thai woman believed to be his wife, with both reportedly connected to about 20 related cases.

Authorities alleged that Ezike posed online as a wealthy Nigerian prince to deceive women into sending him money. However, Police Colonel Phrut Jamroonsart said the suspect denied unlawfully possessing other people’s electronic payment cards.

Officials said he would remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations before being transferred to immigration authorities.

The arrest comes amid increasing scrutiny of Nigerians arrested in Thailand over alleged fraud and dr¥g-related offences.