Immigration Police swooped on a former Ugandan footballer after an undercover dating app sting. Officers accuse him of selling sexual services to foreign men while overstaying his visa before tracking him to a Bangkok hotel.
A former Ugandan footballer has been arrested after Immigration Police mounted an undercover sting targeting alleged prostitution arranged through a location-based dating application, exposing what investigators say was a business serving foreign men from luxury Bangkok condominiums. Police allege the 29-year-old overstayed his visa, advertised explicit images, negotiated fees of up to 4,000 baht and travelled directly to clients before officers tracked him to a city-centre hotel, where the operation ended with his arrest as Thailand widens its campaign against online prostitution networks across the kingdom.
Immigration Police have arrested a 29-year-old Ugandan man accused of selling sexual services to foreign men through a popular dating application while overstaying his visa in Thailand.
The arrest followed an undercover sting by investigators from Immigration Division 1. Officers said the suspect targeted foreign men through the platform before travelling to meet paying clients. Police later tracked him to a hotel in central Bangkok, where the operation came to an end.
The Immigration Bureau announced the case on Friday following the investigation. The operation was conducted under the direction of Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyalak and senior commanders.
Senior Immigration Police oversee undercover operation targeting online prostitution through dating app users
It was also supervised by Deputy Commissioners Pol. Maj. Gen. Prachya Prasansuk and Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana Nuchanart. Immigration Division 1 Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Prasath Khemprasit oversaw the operation.
As part of the operation, investigators infiltrated a dating application popular with foreign gay men. Police said the platform clearly displays users’ locations while they communicate. Officers believed that feature created opportunities for illegal activity.
Detectives monitored profiles before focusing on the Ugandan national. They said his account promoted his muscular physique through photographs. It also contained explicit images showing his genitals. Notably, investigators believed the profile was being used to solicit paying clients.
Undercover officers then contacted the suspect while posing as prospective customers. Police said discussions quickly turned to paid sexual services. According to investigators, the suspect agreed to travel directly to clients instead of receiving visitors himself.
Undercover officers expose suspect’s pricing as meetings were arranged at luxury Bangkok condominiums
Most appointments were arranged at luxury condominiums across Bangkok. Officers said the basic service fee started at 2,500 baht. However, the price increased when sexual intercourse was requested. In those cases, the starting fee rose to 4,000 baht. Beyond that, investigators said further charges were open to negotiation depending on the services requested.
Once officers had gathered sufficient evidence, surveillance shifted to the suspect’s daily movements. Investigators eventually discovered he was staying at a hotel in central Bangkok. In response, Immigration Division 1 prepared an arrest operation. Officers moved into the hotel and entered the room without incident.
The suspect was taken into custody immediately. During the search, police found several condoms inside the room. Separately, officers examined his immigration records. Those checks confirmed he had remained in Thailand after his visa had expired.
During questioning, the Ugandan national admitted the immigration offence, police said. He also told investigators he had previously worked as a football player. After his visa expired, he said he needed another source of income.
Former footballer admits visa overstay as Immigration Bureau expands online prostitution investigations
Consequently, he admitted earning money by providing sexual services to foreign men. Investigators recorded the admissions before completing the arrest process. The suspect was then handed to investigating officers for legal proceedings. Police did not disclose how long he had overstayed his visa.
On another front, the Immigration Bureau said investigators continue expanding operations against prostitution networks using online platforms. Officers said several digital applications remain under investigation.
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The bureau believes location-based services can assist those arranging illegal activities. Accordingly, undercover operations will continue against suspected offenders. Finally, Immigration Police urged anyone with information about immigration offences or other illegal activity to contact the Immigration Bureau hotline on 1178.
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