THE HANOI TIMES — In a significant breakthrough, authorities in Tuyen Quang province, northern Vietnam, have dismantled a massive transnational online fraud network operating in Cambodia. The operation led to the arrest of 205 Vietnamese nationals, with 74 of them repatriated to Vietnam.
Tuyen Quang police apprehend 205 Vietnamese nationals involved in online fraud schemes. Photos: Tuyen Quang Province’s Department of Public Security
Major General Nguyen Duc Thuan, Director of the provincial Department of Public Security, revealed that the operation was executed on January 12. Tuyen Quang police collaborated with Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security’s Criminal Police Department, Tay Ninh provincial police, the ministry’s representative office in Cambodia, and the Royal Cambodian Police to raid multiple locations in Bavet City, Svay Rieng Province, Cambodia.
Thuan described this as the largest transnational fraud operation ever uncovered by Tuyen Quang police, involving a complex network and illicit proceeds exceeding hundreds of billions of Vietnamese dong (VND100 billion = US$3.8 million).
“During the raids, authorities confiscated 10 computers and 25 mobile phones used in the criminal activities. The scam operations were masterminded by Chinese nationals and operated entirely from Cambodia,” Thuan stated.
Tuyen Quang police escort 74 suspects from Cambodia back to Vietnam on January 15.
The syndicate employed sophisticated scam tactics, including impersonating police officers, utility workers, and tax officials. Victims were deceived into installing fraudulent electronic household registration apps or clicking on malicious links.
Once compromised, the malware enabled scammers to gain control of victims’ devices, stealing funds from banking apps and digital wallets.
“Preliminary investigations indicate thousands of victims in Tuyen Quang and other provinces have fallen prey to these scams. Initial confessions from suspects reveal their involvement in hundreds of fraud cases nationwide,” the director added.
Major General Nguyen Duc Thuan (first right in front line) interrogates Vietnamese suspects involved in online fraud operations in Cambodia.
The syndicate operated with a high level of sophistication, featuring a clear hierarchy, specialized roles, and a tiered salary system. Members underwent systematic training in fraudulent techniques and were instructed on how to evade authorities if apprehended.
To expand their operations, the suspects continuously recruited Vietnamese citizens to work in Cambodia.
All suspects have been detained under Clause 4, Article 174 of Vietnam’s Penal Code for “swindling to appropriate property.” Investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute additional members of the syndicate in accordance with the law.
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