A 24-year-old Nigerian national, Chinedu Theophilus Ezike, has been arrested by the authorities in Thailand over allegations of involvement in a romance scam scheme targeting vulnerable women.

Reports stated that Mr Ezike first came under scrutiny after he was seen acting suspiciously while withdrawing money, with a subsequent search of his bag leading to the recovery of six mobile phones, 10 ATM cards bearing different names, and 20,000 baht in cash in his possession.

The discovery reportedly prompted police to storm Mr Ezike’s apartment in Bang Sri Muang area, where more incriminating materials were found, including 40 additional phones, which authorities alleged he was using to carry out his scams. 

The Crime Asia reported that investigations showed that Mr Ezike was connected to a Thai woman, believed to be his wife, with both of them suspected to be connected to 20 more cases. 

Officials alleged that he posed as a wealthy Nigerian prince to deceive vulnerable women into sending him money. Police Colonel Phrut Jamroonsart said that the suspect denied accusations of possessing another person’s electronic payment cards for unlawful use.

Authorities, however, stated that Mr Ezike would be detained pending the conclusion of investigation before being handed over to immigration officials.

Recall that the Peoples Gazette on Thursday reported that a Nigerian man identified only as Obi was apprehended in the Southeast Asian country for allegedly being part of a romance scam and drug trafficking network that employed Thai women to distribute narcotics. 

Two weeks earlier, a Thailand-based Nigerian student, Louis Junior, was arrested in the country over an alleged attempt to sell cocaine to undercover police officers. 

The arrest was reportedly part of a sting operation targeting foreigners suspected to be involved in drug dealings after authorities were tipped off about their activities in Bangkok

Mr Ezike’s case has sparked reactions from netizens on social media, alleging widespread crime among Nigerians living overseas.

“Nigeria is one of the only countries where people even upload fake tickets and fake bank statements on the e-visa website for Thailand! I have heard the Thai embassy in Lagos has even complained to Nigerian authorities about it.

“Thankfully Nigeria has always been in visa required countries and No Visa Privileges like Visa Free or Visa On Arrival has ever been in place for it,” an Instagram user @thebadfan claimed. 

Another user @tsheponkatlo commented, “In South Africa when they fight Nigerians for selling drugs and being in the country illegally they are called xenophobic Nigerians are not good.”

Meanwhile, @_dipsyngabriell called on countries to stop approving visas to young Nigerians, stating “Stop issuing visas to any Nigerian under the age of 35, these boys have nothing in their brain rather than to scam.”