84 suspects charged in transnational scam ring in Vietnam

Zhao Xuefeng, a 39-year-old Chinese national, was identified as the alleged mastermind and leader who directly operated the scam ring.

Previously, the Immigration Management Division of the Thanh Hoa Department of Public Security detected a group of foreign nationals of various nationalities staying at Van Hoa Hotel in the province's Nghi Son Ward.

The group reportedly maintained a closed living arrangement, assigned guards to keep watch, and strictly restricted access by outsiders, raising suspicions of illegal activities.

Through investigative measures, authorities determined that most members of the group had previously lived in Laos or Cambodia.

Several had allegedly entered Vietnam illegally, while one was wanted by foreign authorities.

Upon entering Vietnam, the group brought in large quantities of computers and telecommunications equipment described as second-hand.

Initial investigations found that more than 100 people of various nationalities were operating under the direct supervision of Zhao.

The group was accused of assigning members to carry out scams involving financial investments, cryptocurrencies, sports betting, fake recruitment offers, and fraudulent online job assignments.

The group's targets were people in Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, India, the U.S., and mainland China.

Based on the evidence collected, the Security Investigation Agency of the Thanh Hoa police department determined that the group was a professionally organized criminal network operating across national borders in cyberspace, with particularly complex activities.

Thanh Hoa police promptly reported the case to the Ministry of Public Security and coordinated closely with the Criminal Police Department, the Cybersecurity and Hi-Tech Crime Prevention Department, and other specialized units to establish a special investigation task force, mobilize personnel, and investigate the entire criminal network.