The Phu Tho Provincial Police said on the evening of June 11 that officers had successfully prevented and neutralised a transnational cyber-enabled fraud network before it could begin operations.
Authorities issued emergency detention orders for four suspects: Zhao Wei Zhong, also known as A Chau; Nguyen Thanh Long; Tran Thi Thu Huong; and Pham Dinh Nam. Investigators also identified and arrested the alleged ringleader of the operation for further questioning.
Major General Nguyen Minh Tuan, director of Phu Tho Province Police, personally directed the operation (Photo: Police).
The investigation began after police detected suspicious activity involving the rental of multiple resorts, farmstays and villa complexes in Hanoi, Lao Cai Province and Phu Tho Province. The properties were allegedly intended to accommodate large groups of foreign nationals for extended periods.
According to investigators, Zhao Wei Zhong, a Chinese national, was tasked with entering Vietnam to scout locations, coordinate operations and arrange accommodation for individuals travelling from Cambodia.
Police alleged that Zhao worked with Vietnamese associates to prepare facilities, technical equipment and other infrastructure required for the group's activities.
During May, the network allegedly organised the relocation of dozens of Chinese nationals to properties in Hanoi, Lao Cai Province and Phu Tho Province. Authorities identified 16 individuals who were unable to provide legal immigration documents.
Phu Tho Province Police moved in time to stop a transnational fraud group from setting up an operational centre in Vietnam (Photo: Police).
Investigators said the group frequently changed accommodation to avoid detection, choosing large properties that could be rented exclusively for long periods while limiting contact with local residents.
Searches of the rented locations uncovered extensive preparations for a large-scale operation. Police seized 73 desktop computers, 134 mobile phones, 34 USB storage devices, 20 Wi-Fi transmission units, three SIM cards, five laptop computers and two tablet devices.
Authorities also confiscated hundreds of desks, chairs, bunk beds, mattresses and other equipment intended to support the concentrated accommodation and operation of a large workforce.
Police said all of the equipment had recently been delivered and installed and was ready for use.
Evidence collected during the investigation indicated that the suspects planned to deploy online fraud schemes similar to those previously operated in Cambodia and several other countries in the region.
Police detained suspects linked to the case (Photo: Police).
Investigators believe the individuals involved had links to online scam organisations based in Cambodia. Many had reportedly worked in fraudulent operations structured as closed compounds, with separate teams responsible for identifying potential victims, making contact, promoting investment schemes, directing money transfers and managing illicit proceeds.
Phu Tho Provincial Police said the operation had prevented the establishment of what could have become a major transnational cyber-fraud centre on Vietnamese territory.
