Police in Hung Yen Province, northern Vietnam have arrested and charged 23 people linked to a major illegal soccer streaming network operating websites such as CakhiaTV, RakhoiTV, and CaheoTV.
Investigators said the suspects were charged with infringing copyright and related rights, organizing gambling, and participating in gambling activities.
The network was accused of operating across multiple provinces and cities, including Gia Lai, Tay Ninh, Vinh Phuc, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi.
Police identified the alleged ringleader as 31-year-old D.V.C., who was living at the Empire City Thu Thiem apartment complex in An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
According to investigators, the group ran illegal live-streaming websites including CakhiaTV, RakhoiTV, and CaheoTV, featuring online commentators widely known on social media under nicknames such as Giang A Pho, Giang A Lu, Giang A Loi, Giang A Pao, and Giang A Cay.
During police raids, authorities seized 28 high-performance desktop computers, six tablets, 46 smartphones, and 18 professional live-streaming systems allegedly used for match commentary and illegal broadcasts.
Investigators also froze 27 bank accounts and confiscated cash, luxury cars, and more than VND10 billion (US$380,300) held in bank accounts.
Police said the operation had been active since early 2024 and involved participants living in many parts of the country.
Investigators described the network as highly sophisticated and tightly organized, with most members operating entirely online.
Many participants reportedly did not know the identities of the organizers or managers.
Communication and operational instructions were allegedly carried out through social media applications with disappearing-message functions, while salary payments were made via anonymous e-wallets.
During questioning, suspects admitted targeting copyrighted broadcasts of soccer tournaments involving Vietnam’s national team as well as major international competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1.
Police said Premier League matches were the most frequently pirated content.
Investigators added that the group was preparing a large-scale plan to illegally stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup before authorities dismantled the racket.
Authorities also accused the suspects of organizing online gambling and betting activities linked to the live-streamed matches.
Police said the amount of illegal profit generated from copyright infringement and gambling activities was "particularly large,” though no exact figure has been released.
The investigation is continuing as authorities search for additional suspects connected to the ring.
Max: 1500 characters
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment.