Three Thai women were arrested for allegedly participating in a transnational Nigerian romance scam that targetted lonely Thais.

Chutharat, 36, Janjira, 29, and Jiraphan, 32, reportedly enlisted locals to open mule bank accounts to receive fraudulent funds for the international crime network.

The three suspects were caught in separate sting operations in Nonthaburi, Chachoengsao, and Yala provinces on November 3.

Police said the arrests were made following investigations into a Nigerian romance scam gang that has been operating since 2019.

The scammers allegedly seduced Thai women seeking companionship through messaging apps before asking them to send money. They were said to have caused six million baht (141,513 GBP) in financial damages.

Investigators said Chutharat, Janjira and Jiraphan played 'key roles' in the financial side of the scheme by funneling money into mule accounts. The trio were then paid commissions of up to 10 per cent of the stolen funds.

All three face charges of involvement in a transnational criminal organisation and money laundering.

Police Colonel Manoon Kaewkam, superintendent of Subdivision 1 of the Crime Suppression Division, said: ‘We have interrogated the three suspects. They denied all charges.

'This operation is part of our crackdown on transnational cybercrime networks. We want to warn the public about the dangers of romance scams, which have caused severe damage to Thailand. We are committed to protecting the citizens and bringing these criminals to justice.'

(1 GBP = 42.40 THB)