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42 individuals were arrested in connection with the arms trafficking case. Photo: Nghe An Provincial Police

On the morning of December 15, Nghe An Police announced that their Criminal Investigation Division had successfully concluded a major operation targeting the sale and distribution of military-grade weapons online. The operation involved suspects from multiple provinces across Vietnam.

So far, investigators have officially charged 38 individuals for crimes related to the illegal manufacture, possession, transport, use, and sale of military weapons. The case is still under active investigation.

According to the investigation, the trafficking ring was led by Le Thanh Hung (born in 1994, residing in Son Tinh Commune, Quang Ngai Province) and Sam Thi Thom (born in 1985, residing in Hung Long Commune, Ho Chi Minh City). The suspects operated in a highly organized manner, with clearly defined roles, from assembling weapons and sourcing parts to advertising and direct sales.

To conduct their illegal trade, the group created a website and utilized several social media platforms to display images, showcase weapon components, and establish direct contact with potential buyers.

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Evidence seized at the scene included a large number of weapons and ammunition. Photo: Nghe An Provincial Police

Initial findings revealed that from August 2024 to December 2025, the ring attracted dozens of accomplices, selling hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition and military weapon components, generating illegal profits of hundreds of millions of dong (tens of thousands of USD).

In response to the escalating threat, from December 15 to 24, Nghe An Police deployed multiple special units and coordinated with local police in various provinces. This led to simultaneous raids and emergency arrests of 42 individuals across the country.

During the operation, authorities seized 64 military-grade firearms, 28,720 rounds of military ammunition, 24 support weapons, 1,260 rubber and pellet bullets, along with 2 laptops, 42 mobile phones, and other relevant evidence.

Nghe An Police have described this as the largest case involving illegal military weapons that their department has ever dismantled. The operation is seen as a significant step toward cutting off the supply of weapons, preventing future criminal activities, and ensuring public security and order in the region.

PV