Romance scammers now face extended jail time – Surachate

Commenting on the recent case of a ‘romance scam’ gang of Nigerians and Thais operating out of Malaysia, Immigration Chief Surachate Hakparn says those responsible would be charged with fraud committed against the Thai public, a charge that cannot be withdrawn by the payment of money.

Read the story of their arrest HERE.

Surachate told Thai media yesterday how a change in police tactics means that Nigerian romance scammers and their Thai accomplices would no longer get off the hook. Previously, he said, romance scammers were just charged with fraud. In such cases victims could withdraw complaints if they were compensated by the scammers.

This led to some walking free and being able to repeat the crime on others.

In addition, investigative work police IT specialists means that those involved in the latest case can be charged with conspiracy and money laundering that will ensure they pay for their crimes with long jail time and won’t be free to re-offend.

The latest arrest was of a 40 year old Nigerian and a 27 year old Thai, along with six other Thai accomplices. They are believed to be part of a large gang now being moved back to Thailand from Malaysia.

Surachate again warned Thai people not to fall for the scammers.

SOURCE: INN