Vietnam Morning Monitor: 7 indicted in $12mn movie piracy case, 2 more die of meningococcal disease in Ca Mau

| SOCIETY

-- Vietnam's Supreme People's Procuracy has indicted seven suspects over an illegal movie-streaming operation that allegedly generated more than VND315 billion ($12.2 million) in advertising revenue between 2019 and March 2026.

Prosecutors said the group illegally distributed around 33,500 TV series and animated films through more than 100 websites, then laundered the proceeds through cryptocurrency wallets to purchase luxury cars, including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover models, as well as real estate.

Four suspects face both copyright infringement and money laundering charges, while the other three are charged with copyright infringement.

-- Ho Chi Minh City plans to renovate Le Thi Rieng Cultural Park into a memorial park honoring fallen soldiers as part of activities marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's War Invalids and Martyrs Day in 2027.

The plan follows a major search for wartime remains at the park, where 862 sets of soldiers' remains, including 333 accompanied by personal belongings, had been recovered as of October 29.

The renovation aims to preserve the site's historical significance, pay tribute to fallen soldiers, and educate younger generations about Vietnam's wartime history.

-- Hanoi police have busted a cross-border drug trafficking ring operating between Laos and Vietnam, arresting three suspects and seizing approximately 55 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, authorities announced on Friday.

One suspect was caught in Vietnam on September 19 with 25 kilograms of drugs, while two others were arrested at a hotel in Laos the same day with another 30 kilograms. The pair were extradited to Vietnam on October 15, and investigations are ongoing.

-- Two women, aged 46 and 33, died from meningococcal disease in Ca Mau Province, southern Vietnam, on October 23 and 28, respectively, bringing the province's death toll to three among eight reported cases this year.

Both tested positive for meningococcal bacteria group B, but health authorities have found no epidemiological link between them or identified the sources of infection.

Officials have traced 87 contacts, provided preventive antibiotics, and stepped up surveillance to contain the disease.

-- One fisherman was killed and five others injured after a Vietnamese fishing boat collided with a Liberia-flagged cargo ship and sank near Long Chau Island off Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam, on Friday.

The cargo ship, AROSA, was traveling from Singapore to Hon Gai when the collision occurred. Authorities deployed 74 rescuers, three speedboats, two vessels, and a medical ship to the scene, locating all six crew members by 1:00 pm. Three survivors sustained serious injuries, while two suffered minor injuries.

| ECONOMY

-- Vietnam is seeking closer cooperation with Australia to develop its rare earth and critical mineral industries, with discussions covering exploration, mining, processing, and technology transfer.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam met with Australian officials, research institutions, and leading mining companies, including Lynas and Arafura, on the sidelines of the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC 2026) in Sydney.

The talks focused on attracting Australian investment and expertise to help Vietnam develop its mineral resources and strengthen its role in global supply chains.

-- Ho Chi Minh City has approved a new policy offering highly skilled professionals monthly salaries of up to VND265.5 million ($10,289) and performance-based bonuses of up to VND1.59 billion ($61,620) per individual project.

Passed by the municipal People's Council on Friday, the policy aims to attract and retain top talent in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Eligible experts may also receive initial financial support, housing assistance, healthcare benefits, and research support, depending on their qualifications and assignments.

-- Standard Chartered has forecast Vietnam's GDP growth at 9.5 percent in 2026 and 11 percent in 2027, driven by supportive fiscal and monetary policies, strong foreign direct investment, and rising domestic demand.

The bank also raised its 2028 growth forecast from 6.7 percent to 9.1 percent, while revising its inflation projections to 4.7 percent for 2026 and 3.9 percent for 2027.

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