205 Vietnamese arrested in Cambodia-based online scam ring led by Chinese

The crackdown took place on Monday, when Tuyen Quang police officers, in coordination with the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security’s Criminal Police Department, Tay Ninh Province’s police officers, the ministry’s representative office in Cambodia, and the Royal Cambodian Police, raided several compounds in Bavet City, Svay Rieng Province, Cambodia.

During the raids, authorities discovered and detained 205 Vietnamese nationals working for online fraud operations.

Police also seized 10 desktop computers and 25 mobile phones believed to have been used in criminal activities.

According to Tuyen Quang police, the scam companies were led by Chinese nationals and based entirely in Cambodia.

Investigators described the case as the largest transnational fraud operation ever uncovered by Tuyen Quang police, involving a sophisticated network and illicit proceeds totaling hundreds of billions of Vietnamese dong. [VND100 billion = US$3.8 million]

Prior to the raids, Tuyen Quang police had launched a special investigation into crimes involving the use of computer networks, telecommunications systems, and electronic devices to commit fraud and appropriate property.

The syndicate employed multiple scam tactics, including impersonating police officers, electricity workers, and tax officials.

Victims were tricked into installing fake electronic household registration apps or clicking malicious links.

Once accessed, the malware allowed scammers to take control of victims’ phones and steal money from banking apps and digital wallets.

Initial findings revealed thousands of victims in Tuyen Quang and other provinces had been defrauded.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, with the remaining suspects to be repatriated for questioning.