Crime Zimbabwean Man Arrested for Phuket Romance Scam

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of SiamRath.

 

Police have arrested a Zimbabwean national accused of running a romance scam that defrauded several Thai women of cash and valuables.

 

On 21 August, tourist police, acting on a Phuket Provincial Court warrant, apprehended 37-year-old Mr Valentive, an online language teacher, at an apartment in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok. One officer was dressed as a delivery driver to stop the suspect becoming suspicious.

 

The arrest followed multiple complaints from Thai women who told police in Kathu, Phuket, that the suspect had wooed them into relationships, gained their trust and then stolen items including mobile phones, laptops, cash and other valuables before disappearing. Investigators say he repeated the scheme with several victims before relocating to Bangkok to evade capture.

 

Tourist Police Commander Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueak-am, with Deputy Commander Pol Maj Gen Pongsayam Mee-khantong, directed the operation. The suspect reportedly confessed to being the man named in the warrant, but denied defrauding the women, insisting that the relationships were genuine. Police have dismissed his claims and will continue a detailed investigation.

 

He has been charged with theft and overstaying his visa, before being handed over to Kathu Police Station in Phuket for further legal proceedings.

 

Authorities have urged the public, especially women and tourists, to remain vigilant against foreign nationals exhibiting suspicious behaviour. The Tourist Police advised that anyone encountering such cases can call the hotline 1155 or use the Thailand Tourist Police mobile application, which operates 24 hours a day.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from SiamRath 2025-08-23

 

 

 

[Gottfrid]

She call me Mr. Boombastic, say me fantastic
Touch me in me back
She say, I'm Mr.Romantic, say me fantastic
Touch me in me back