Indonesian Suspect Arrested in Phuket Over $10M Crypto Romance Scam

Thai immigration authorities, in cooperation with national law enforcement agencies, have arrested a 33-year-old Indonesian national suspected of involvement in a large-scale cryptocurrency fraud operation.

The man, identified as Mr. William (alias), was located at a luxury resort in Phuket on April 24 at approximately 2:00 p.m. Officers conducted an identity check before taking him into custody as part of an intelligence-driven operation.

According to investigators, the suspect had entered Thailand legally under a visa exemption scheme. However, his alleged activities violated Section 12 (7) of Thailand’s Immigration Act B.E. 2522, which bars individuals considered a threat to public safety. As a result, his right to remain in the country has been revoked.

Authorities believe that between 2022 and 2026, William was part of an international criminal network responsible for running so-called “hybrid scams,” which combine elements of romance fraud with cryptocurrency investment schemes.

In these operations, the group reportedly used hired models to participate in video calls with victims, creating the illusion of genuine romantic relationships. This approach helped build trust more effectively than traditional scam methods relying solely on photos or text communication.

Once a relationship was established, victims were encouraged to invest in fraudulent trading platforms. Fake profit data was used to convince them to increase their investments, leading to significant financial losses.

Investigators estimate that victims worldwide were affected, with losses in the United States alone exceeding $10 million. Thai police highlighted that such hybrid scams are becoming more common, leveraging multiple digital channels including dating apps, social media, and messaging platforms.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, carefully verify online interactions, and avoid transferring money without proper due diligence.