A 52-year-old Thai woman, identified as Orathai, was apprehended at Hat Yai Airport upon her return from Malaysia.
Authorities allege that she played a significant role in a Nigerian-led romance scam syndicate, considered Thailand’s largest, which defrauded victims of approximately $86 million.
Orathai faces multiple charges, including membership in a secret society, involvement in a criminal organization, participation in transnational crime, identity fraud, and money laundering.
According to reports by Bangkokpost on Sunday, she opened several bank accounts in Thailand at the behest of her Nigerian partner, believing they were for legitimate business purposes.
Investigations revealed that these accounts were used to facilitate fraudulent transactions. Orathai claimed she was unaware of the illicit activities and received 6,500 baht per account opened.
Her arrest is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the syndicate, which has implicated nearly 100 individuals, both Thai and Nigerian nationals.