Former Nigerian senator Shehu Sani has reacted to the arrest of six Nigerians in Thailand over allegations of operating an artificial intelligence-assisted romance fraud syndicate targeting victims online.The arrests, which reportedly took place during coordinated police operations in Nonthaburi on May 22, Responding to the development through a post shared on his official X account, Shehu Sani expressed concern over the impact of online fraud activities involving some Nigerians living abroad.
According to the former lawmaker, such criminal activities continue to tarnish Nigeria’s reputation internationally and create additional difficulties for innocent Nigerians residing overseas or seeking opportunities outside the country.He also commended Thai law enforcement authorities for carrying out the operation that led to the arrests of the suspects.
According to investigators in Thailand, the six Nigerians were allegedly involved in a sophisticated online fraud network that used fake identities, artificial intelligence-generated images and staged video interactions to deceive victims.Police reports indicated that the suspects allegedly targeted mainly elderly Thai women through romance scams conducted on social media and other online communication platforms.
Authorities claimed that the suspects posed as professionals such as pilots, medical doctors, engineers and members of the United States Armed Forces in order to gain the trust of victims.Investigators alleged that after establishing online relationships with victims, the suspects would reportedly claim that expensive gifts or packages had been detained by customs officials and then demand money to facilitate their release.
Thai authorities said the investigation began after police arrested another Nigerian national in connection with a cocaine trafficking case.According to police accounts, financial transactions linked to the drug investigation eventually led detectives to the luxury apartment complex in Nonthaburi where the six suspects were reportedly residing.
During the raid operation, authorities reportedly recovered several mobile phones, laptop computers and banking documents believed to be connected to the alleged fraud activities.Investigators further disclosed that some of the seized electronic devices were still actively connected to ongoing conversations with suspected victims at the time officers entered the apartments.
The suspects are currently facing immigration-related and illegal association charges, while authorities indicated that additional fraud-related charges may be filed as investigations continue.Security analysts have warned that the increasing use of AI-generated images, fake identities and digitally altered video communications is making online fraud operations more sophisticated and difficult to detect……See More
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