TikToker ‘Du Bau Troi’ detained for posting videos undermining national unity

The municipal Department of Public Security confirmed on Saturday that Viet, from Hanoi, has been detained and prosecuted for allegedly abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the State and the legitimate rights of organizations and individuals.

The arrest came as part of an expanded investigation into 30-year-old Le Anh Diep, who was previously arrested and indicted for posting videos on his TikTok account ‘Tang Keng Ong Trum’ that insulted southern citizens and stoked regional discrimination.

Investigators found that Viet used his TikTok account to upload clips disparaging both northern and southern communities, promoting hostility and regional division, which undermined national unity.

The videos attracted hundreds of thousands of interactions, drawing public outrage and disrupting online order and security.

During questioning, Viet admitted to all violations.

He said he was inspired after receiving a message from Diep, who claimed that his video insulting southern people had gone viral.

Viet then produced two similar clips, first targeting southern residents and later northern people.

He told investigators that TikTok provided no warning signs regarding the content and that he only removed the videos after complaints from neighbors and family.

Forensic review confirmed that the videos posted by both Viet and Diep ‘undermined national unity’ and ‘seriously infringed upon the honor, reputation, and dignity of others,’ violating relevant provisions of Vietnam’s 2018 Law on Cybersecurity.

Ho Chi Minh City police urged the public not to post, share, comment on, or circulate content that distorts facts, incites hostility, insults individuals or organizations, or triggers regional division.

Any attempt to exploit social media to infringe upon the interests of the State or the legitimate rights of organizations and individuals will be strictly handled under the law.

Authorities also called on citizens to remain vigilant, use social media responsibly and legally, and promptly report any accounts or content suspected of violations to ensure timely prevention and enforcement.