Vietnam Busts Transnational Online Fraud Syndicate: Dozens of Chinese Nationals Investigated

The Public Security Department of Phu Tho Province in Vietnam, together with relevant units, recently launched an operation that successfully dismantled a transnational criminal gang suspected of engaging in online fraud activities, seizing a large quantity of electronic devices and evidence.

On June 11, police reported that this criminal syndicate attempted to set up a large-scale, long-term online fraud center in Vietnam and operated scams in a closed management model.

Initial investigations revealed that the group originated from an online fraud syndicate based in Cambodia. After being pursued by local law enforcement, members then moved to other countries, including Vietnam, to continue their illicit activities.

To conceal their whereabouts, the gang rented resorts and villas located far from residential areas as bases of operation, and arranged for Chinese national Zhao Weizhong to enter Vietnam ahead of time to survey sites, coordinate personnel, and set up necessary infrastructure.

Police indicated that in May this year, the group arranged for dozens of Chinese citizens to enter Vietnam, including 16 involved in illegal entry. To evade law enforcement investigation, members frequently changed residences and tried to avoid contact with local residents as much as possible.

Investigations found that the gang modeled itself after corporate operations, establishing a scam "company" with internal departments responsible for identifying target victims, contacting victims, providing consultation, and managing scam funds, with clearly defined roles.

Law enforcement officers seized 73 desktop computers, 134 mobile phones, 34 portable storage devices (USB drives), 20 wireless routing devices, 5 laptop computers, 2 tablet computers, and a large quantity of daily necessities and other evidence in the operation.

The Phu Tho Province Public Security Department’s investigative security agency issued urgent arrest warrants on June 5 and 7 for four suspects, including Zhao Weizhong. The other three arrested suspects are Vietnamese nationals.

The case is still under further investigation, and authorities are pursuing other involved individuals and related criminal networks.