Vietnamese police arrested seven in a huge gambling case in which hundreds of billions of VND were being transferred abroad each day.
The large illegal gambling ring in Bac Ninh Province uncovered in December, 2012
Two in Hanoi and five in HCM City were arrested January 16 for taking online bets for sporting events including horse racing, football playing and tennis.
Families, friends and neighbours of those who ran the gambling ring were reportedly surprised at their arrest.
After more than one year in operation, the ring, which operated in a number of different localities nationwide, had transferred billions of VND outside the country.
There is a continuing investigation into the case.
On December 14, Deputy Minister of Public Security Lieutenant-General Pham Quy Ngo, honoured the police for uncovering another large illegal gambling ring in Bac Ninh Province, which led to more than 100 arrests.
The deputy minister said inspection agencies would focus on people who use state funds for gambling abroad.
