Dismantling a transnational fraud ring that appropriated more than 44.5 billion VND

A group of transnational high-tech criminals created virtual accounts of successful businessmen to lure many women to deposit money into fake websites, appropriating more than 44.5 billion VND.

The Police Investigation Agency of Hai Phong Police prosecuted and temporarily detained 44 people for the crimes of property appropriation fraud and money laundering, on September 6.

According to the investigation, this group is managed and operated by Chinese people, initially operating in Cambodia. After being raided by local authorities, they moved to Bokeo province (Laos), rented garden land from people, and set up factories to organize fraudulent activities targeting Vietnamese citizens.

From March to June 2026, through social networks such as Facebook, TikTok, Telegram, the leading group recruited many Vietnamese workers under the guise of "high-paid light jobs" (casino, game, receptionist, technical staff). All travel and exit expenses to Don Moon area (Tonpheung district, Bokeo province) are sponsored.

Here, the Chinese team is in charge of technical systems, bank accounts and general coordination. Some Vietnamese people play the role of interpreters, managers, preparing equipment and distributing customer data to staff.

According to the police, Vietnamese employees were given computers and iPhones pre-installed with Viber, Whatsapp, Telegram applications and virtual accounts with images of successful businessmen to make friends and get acquainted with Vietnamese women with economic conditions.

After gaining trust, they invited the victim to join the online gambling website. They give fake information about "IP errors", "algorithm errors" and ask victims to "play for them" to enjoy the difference.

Initially, the system was set up for victims to win and withdraw real money. Once the victim has confidently deposited a large amount of money, the system will block the withdrawal function for the reason of "system error", "account verification" or "tax payment", thereby forcing the player to continue transferring more money.

In fact, the above website does not organize gambling but is just a tool to lure victims to transfer money to a bank account system controlled by a Chinese group.

Hai Phong City Police established a specialized project and coordinated with professional departments of the Ministry of Public Security and Lao authorities to come up with a plan to destroy the case.

On June 7, coordinated forces caught 57 suspects red-handed in Bokeo province (Laos), including 5 Chinese, 7 Myanmar and 45 Vietnamese. The group of foreign suspects continues to be handled by the Lao side; 45 Vietnamese people were evacuated to Hai Phong.

Preliminary statistics from 6 related bank accounts show that, from April 1 to June 7, 2026, the group appropriated more than 44.5 billion VND from the victims.