Thai authorities have arrested a Nigerian national accused of leading a sprawling transnational criminal network allegedly involved in cocaine trafficking, romance scams and money laundering, in a major operation that investigators say disrupted a syndicate with more than 380 million baht (approximately $11.5 million) in circulation.
According to multiple reports, the suspect, identified by police as 36-year-old Patrick, was apprehended late on June 9 outside a luxury condominium on Rama III Road in Bangkok’s Yannawa district during a coordinated enforcement operation dubbed “Operation Clip the Wings of the Dodorima Gang Leader.”
According to Thai police, Patrick is believed to have risen from a low-level drug courier to become the alleged leader of the Dodorima network after living in Thailand for more than seven years. Investigators claim he regularly travelled between Thailand and Africa while overseeing the group’s operations.
Authorities said Patrick was charged with selling and possessing cocaine, classified under Thailand’s Category 2 narcotics laws, for commercial purposes without authorization. He was also accused of resisting arrest and obstructing law enforcement officers during the operation. Investigators noted that a separate probe into alleged money laundering activities remains ongoing.
Police said officers had been monitoring the suspect’s movements before locating him at the condominium. During the arrest operation, Patrick allegedly attempted to evade capture by reversing his vehicle into police officers after authorities blocked his path. One officer reportedly sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Following orders from Pol Maj Gen Teeradet Thumsuthee, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau responsible for narcotics suppression, officers smashed the vehicle’s window, disabled the engine and took the suspect into custody.
A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered approximately 18 grams of cocaine. Further searches at the suspect’s residence led to the seizure of cash and other assets valued at roughly 700,000 baht.
Investigators allege that Patrick initially operated as a cocaine runner targeting tourist destinations before rapidly climbing the ranks of the criminal organization. According to police findings, the network generated more than 380 million baht in financial transactions over the past year alone.
Authorities further alleged that proceeds from the operation were transferred to Nigeria and used to build a large mansion. Police also claimed the syndicate’s activities extended beyond drug trafficking to include romance scams and suspected money laundering operations.
Investigators said members of the group allegedly organized charitable and donation-related activities as a cover for their illicit operations and to cultivate relationships with influential individuals. Authorities believe the Dodorima group may be linked to a broader international criminal network identified as NBM operating across parts of Africa and beyond.
The investigation gained momentum following an earlier raid on May 22 at a luxury condominium near Phra Nang Klao Bridge in Nonthaburi Province, where six foreign nationals linked to an alleged romance scam operation were arrested. Police said evidence recovered during that operation, including communications from a secret chat group, helped uncover the wider criminal network.
Authorities claimed the recovered messages included derogatory remarks about cocaine users in Thailand, which investigators said reflected the group’s alleged contempt for local drug users despite profiting from narcotics sales.
During questioning, police said Patrick admitted to certain allegations relating to cocaine distribution but denied involvement in any money-laundering operation. He reportedly maintained that the organization was established to support charitable and donation activities funded through a fish export business operating between Thailand and Nigeria.
The suspect also reportedly told investigators that the name “Dodorima” means “hello” in Thai.
Commenting on the operation, Pol Maj Gen Teeradet said the arrest aligns with the Thai government’s intensified efforts to dismantle foreign criminal networks using the country as a base for illegal activities. He noted that the suspect allegedly displayed violent behavior during the arrest, resulting in injuries to officers and damage to property.
Thai police described the operation as a significant breakthrough in disrupting the financial infrastructure of a major transnational crime syndicate. Authorities said they will continue working with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and international law enforcement agencies to trace financial transactions and identify additional suspects, including both foreign nationals and Thai citizens believed to be connected to the network.
The investigation remains ongoing.
