Vietnamese police bust online scam network relocating from Cambodia

The crackdown took place before it began full-scale operations.

The provincial Department of Public Security announced on Thursday that officers had uncovered and disrupted a group of foreign nationals suspected of involvement in a high-tech online scam network with plans to establish a long-term operational presence in Vietnam.

The investigation began after the immigration management agency and local police in Tam Dao Commune detected unusual accommodation arrangements involving multiple resorts, farmstays, and villas in Hanoi, Lao Cai Province, and Phu Tho.

The properties had been rented to house large groups of foreign nationals for extended periods.

Recognizing the potential threat to public security and social order, the leadership of the provincial department ordered an immediate probe into the group's activities.

Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects were linked to online fraud organizations previously operating in Cambodia.

In recent months, intensified crackdowns by Cambodian authorities on cybercrime compounds have reportedly prompted criminal groups to seek new locations to continue their activities.

According to investigators, Vietnam became an attractive destination because of its abundance of resorts, farmstays, and villas located far from residential areas.

Such sites offer favorable conditions for accommodating large numbers of foreign nationals and installing electronic equipment to support online operations.

Police identified Zhao Wei Zhong, a Chinese national, as the individual assigned to enter Vietnam to scout locations, coordinate operations, and arrange accommodation for members of the group relocating from Cambodia.

He also worked with several Vietnamese citizens to prepare facilities, technical equipment, and other resources necessary for the operation.

In May, dozens of Chinese nationals were brought to Vietnam and accommodated at multiple locations in Hanoi, Lao Cai, and Phu Tho.

Among them, police discovered 16 individuals who lacked valid immigration documents.

To avoid detection, members of the group frequently changed locations, rented large properties on long-term contracts, and minimized contact with locals.

As the investigation expanded, police determined that the group was actively building infrastructure for a large-scale online fraud center.

The suspects purchased and installed computers, mobile phones, Internet transmission equipment, office furniture, bunk beds, and other items designed to support both online operations and collective living arrangements.

Searches conducted by law enforcement resulted in the seizure of 73 computers, 134 mobile phones, 34 USB storage devices, 20 Wi-Fi transmission units, three SIM cards, five laptops, two tablet devices, as well as hundreds of desks, chairs, bunk beds, mattresses, and other equipment intended for large-scale operations.

Investigators noted that the entire system had only recently been transported and installed and was on the verge of becoming operational.

Thanks to early detection and intervention, police were able to dismantle the infrastructure and neutralize the operation before it began functioning.

On June 5 and June 7, investigators in the province carried out emergency detention orders against Zhao, Nguyen Thanh Long, Tran Thi Thu Huong, and Pham Dinh Nam.

Officers have also identified and arrested the alleged ringleader of the network and are continuing their investigation in accordance with Vietnamese law.