Israeli Influencer Romi Abergel Trapped in Thailand Over Fake Company Scam

Romi Abergel, a 24-year-old Israeli social media star, remains stranded in Thailand after being arrested in April during a crackdown on a network of over 500 shell companies. Initially suspected of using a company registered as a makeup and nail training business to disguise content sales on OnlyFans, new details reveal she was allegedly deceived by an Israeli man operating in Bangkok. According to Tomer Graur, a Bangkok resident familiar with the case, the man instructed Abergel to create a cosmetic company using photos of a Thai makeup artist, fully aware these images would later be used as evidence against her by Thai authorities. Abergel reportedly paid him tens of thousands of shekels before police raids uncovered an improvised office with inactive computers and signs for more than 100 companies, suspected of misleading regulatory bodies.

Graur explained that the suspect and his wife have previously scammed other Israelis by selling fictitious assets. After Abergel underwent surgery in Turkey, the man pressured her to visit his office in Thailand to pay him. Following her arrest, Abergel was transferred to a police station in Krabi province, where the investigation continues. Her passport was confiscated, preventing her from leaving Thailand until her trial. She faces a potential fine of about 100,000 shekels, along with high legal and travel expenses. Sources close to Abergel emphasize she trusted Israelis she should not have and fell victim to a scam, warning others to thoroughly verify any relocation arrangements, even those backed by accountants or agents.

The case highlights the risks foreign nationals face when engaging in business activities in Thailand, especially in sectors restricted to locals. Abergel's situation remains precarious as she awaits a verdict that could have serious consequences for her future in the country.