Police in Vietnam’s northern province of Ninh Binh have dismantled a transnational cyber fraud network accused of swindling more than VND250 billion, or about US$9.6 million, and arrested 12 suspects. Authorities said the operation uncovered an organised online fraud network that allegedly targeted hundreds of victims through multiple scam methods.
Evidence Seized During Searches
Police said searches led to the seizure of a large quantity of evidence linked to the alleged operation, including cash, a car, mobile phones, computers, identity documents, jewellery and numerous bank records.
Registration Begins for FutureCrime Summit 2026, India’s Largest Cybercrime Conference
Authorities identified two alleged ringleaders as Nguyễn Văn Cường, 28, from Yên Phong Commune, and Nguyễn Văn Phương, 34, from Yên Trung Commune, both in Bắc Ninh province.
Investigators alleged that the suspects recruited Vietnamese citizens and transported them to Cambodia, where they worked within an organised online fraud network with clearly assigned roles and responsibilities.
Fraud Network Used Multiple Scam Methods
According to police, the group allegedly impersonated police officers, prosecutors, judges, bank employees and tax officials to deceive victims. Investigators also said the network created counterfeit websites and mobile applications resembling those of government agencies and legitimate businesses to gain public trust.
The network allegedly carried out a variety of scams, including fake online recruitment for part-time jobs, fraudulent investment schemes involving finance, securities and cryptocurrencies, romance scams, and the hijacking of social media accounts to obtain money from victims’ contacts.
In one scheme, members of the group allegedly posed as officers of armed forces and approached shops and businesses to place large orders. Victims were then persuaded to purchase additional goods and transfer deposits or advance payments to bank accounts designated by the fraudsters.
Investigation Expands as Asset Recovery Begins
Police said the suspects admitted that since October 2024 they had defrauded around 500 victims, obtaining more than VND250 billion through the alleged scams.
Based on the evidence collected, authorities have initiated criminal proceedings, charged six suspects with fraudulent appropriation of property and placed them in temporary detention. Procedural measures have also been taken against the remaining six suspects as investigations continue.
Police said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend additional suspects linked to the network. Authorities are also taking steps to seize and freeze assets in an effort to recover the stolen funds and support the ongoing investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
