Ha Tinh Provincial Police said on June 29 that officers had simultaneously arrested, searched and summoned 36 suspects in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Ha Tinh, Lam Dong and Danang. Investigators said the criminal network was led by five Taiwanese nationals who directed its operations in Vietnam.
People linked to the transnational gambling and money-laundering ring were detained (Photo: Police).
According to investigators, the group had organised online gambling and money-laundering activities since April under instructions from Taiwan. The network operated through a tightly compartmentalised structure, frequently changing locations and rotating personnel every two months to evade detection.
The ringleaders rented premises at three apartment complexes in Ho Chi Minh City, where they managed Vietnamese employees responsible for handling gambling operations and laundering illicit funds.
A Taiwanese man was identified as the alleged mastermind (Photo: Police).
To conceal the scheme, the group recruited individuals to register mobile phone numbers and open bank accounts at multiple financial institutions under their names.
Each account had a transaction limit of between VND 1 billion and VND 3 billion (approximately USD 38,200 to USD 114,700) and was linked to phone numbers that differed from those registered with the banks. Investigators said all account information was transferred to Taiwan, where it was used to receive, manage and transfer funds generated through online gambling activities.
Evidence seized in the case (Photo: Police).
In just over two months, the network allegedly used 266 bank accounts to launder more than VND 1 trillion (approximately USD 38.2 million).
Searches at locations linked to the operation resulted in the seizure of 56 personal mobile phones, 266 phones used in the criminal enterprise, three computers and numerous documents and other evidence.
Ha Tinh Provincial Police have prosecuted the suspects on charges of gambling and money laundering.