Vietnam expels 5 Chinese suspected of involvement in online scams

The immigration management division of the municipal Department of Public Security said on Saturday that the operation was uncovered after officers detected suspicious activity involving a Chinese national at Cat Bi International Airport on October 28.

The man was found carrying 35 mobile phones and 21 blank SIM cards, raising suspicions of possible involvement in illegal activities in cyberspace.

An expanded investigation revealed that the individual was staying with four other Chinese nationals at an accommodation facility in Le Chan Ward, according to the Portal of the Ministry of Public Security.

Immigration officers, working in coordination with police in the ward and the cybersecurity division, subsequently inspected the premises and discovered additional electronic equipment, including mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers, and numerous blank SIM cards.

Data recovered from the computers contained multiple scripts for online scams targeting foreign nationals through overseas social media platforms.

The suspected fraud schemes involved impersonating experts and lawyers, soliciting investment and offering assistance to victims seeking to recover money lost in previous scams.

Following the investigation, the immigration management division imposed administrative penalties on all five individuals and arranged for their deportation to China to help maintain security and public order in the city.

The authorities said the timely detection and dismantling of the suspected operation, before it could develop into an established fraud hub, demonstrated the proactive and determined efforts of the immigration authorities and Le Chan Ward police in combating crime.

The intervention also helped prevent potential harm to victims and safeguard public security in the locality.

The case highlights the growing complexity of cybercrime, particularly offenses involving foreign nationals and cross-border criminal networks.

Hai Phong police have urged the public to remain vigilant against suspicious investment offers and online services claiming to help victims recover money lost to fraud.

Accommodation providers, apartment building management boards and property operators have also been reminded to strictly comply with regulations on registering the temporary residence of foreign nationals and promptly notify police of any suspicious activities.