Nearly 400 Vietnamese lose over $6mn in Cambodia-based fake police scam

The ring was established in February this year by foreign nationals who set up a shell company in Cambodia’s Svay Rieng Province, near the Bavet-Moc Bai border gate.

The suspects impersonated police officers, guiding victims to download counterfeit VNeID apps that gave them remote control of mobile phones.

They then siphoned money from bank and securities accounts.

After months of investigation, authorities uncovered the group’s organizational structure and methods.

Dozens of suspects were tracked down and brought back to Vietnam from multiple provinces and cities for questioning.

The Cao Bang police department has launched criminal proceedings and charged 39 suspects with using computer networks, telecommunications systems, and electronic devices to appropriate property.

Police officers described the operation as a demonstration of the resourcefulness and determination of Vietnam’s law enforcement in combating high-tech crime.

With close direction from the Ministry of Public Security and cooperation from multiple agencies, Cao Bang police said they are steadily dismantling the cross-border network to ensure public security and protect citizens’ rights.

The case remains under investigation, with further legal action expected in accordance with Vietnamese law.