Vietnam Police Unravel ₹82 Crore Cross-Border Cyber Scam, Arrest 12 Suspects
Law enforcement in Ninh Binh province, located in northern Vietnam, arrested 12 individuals linked to the network.
Vietnam authorities have dismantled a multinational cyber fraud operation that allegedly defrauded victims of over VND250 billion, equivalent to approximately $9.6 million.
Law enforcement in Ninh Binh province, located in northern Vietnam, arrested 12 individuals linked to the network. The investigation revealed a structured online scheme that targeted hundreds of victims through multiple deceptive tactics.
Seizure of Key Evidence During Operations
During raids, investigators recovered a significant amount of evidence tied to the alleged criminal activities. This included cash, vehicles, mobile devices, computers, identification documents, jewelry, and extensive financial records. The seizure provided critical insights into the network’s operations and its reach across borders.
Multifaceted Scam Tactics Employed by the Network
The group reportedly used sophisticated methods to deceive victims, including impersonating law enforcement officials, judicial personnel, bank employees, and tax authorities. They created counterfeit digital platforms mimicking government agencies and legitimate businesses to build credibility. Scams included fake job recruitment campaigns, fraudulent investment schemes involving financial instruments and cryptocurrencies, and romance-based deception. Additionally, the network exploited social media account takeovers to extort money from victims’ contacts. A specific tactic involved members posing as military personnel who approached businesses to place large orders. Victims were then pressured to purchase additional goods and transfer deposits to accounts controlled by the fraudsters.
Expansion of Investigations and Asset Recovery Efforts
Police confirmed that the suspects admitted to defrauding approximately 500 individuals since October 2024. The total illicit gains exceeded VND250 billion. Based on collected evidence, six suspects have been formally charged with property fraud and are currently in temporary detention. Legal actions are ongoing against the remaining six individuals as the probe continues. Authorities are actively working to identify and apprehend additional members of the network. Concurrently, measures have been initiated to freeze and recover assets linked to the fraud. This includes efforts to trace and reclaim stolen funds to support the legal proceedings and compensate victims.
The case highlights the growing complexity of cross-border cybercrime and the collaborative efforts required to address such threats. Law enforcement agencies are emphasizing the need for enhanced international cooperation to disrupt similar networks and protect financial systems from exploitation.
