On August 3, the Criminal Police Division, in coordination with Dien Hong and Gia Dinh ward police, expanded their investigation into two separate incidents of online abduction and attempted extortion.

Student deceived into isolation, sends over 129 million VND to scammers

On the evening of August 2, the family of T.T.H. (20 years old, from Lam Dong province, currently a university student in Ho Chi Minh City) reported to Dien Hong ward police that H. had been kidnapped and that the perpetrators were demanding a ransom of 600 million VND (approximately $23,500 USD).

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Student T.T.H. was manipulated into transferring 129 million VND to anonymous scammers. Photo: Provided by authorities.

Upon receiving the report, the HCMC “online kidnapping” task force and local police launched an immediate response. That same night, they located and safely rescued H., who was found staying alone in a hotel within the ward.

According to his statement, H. received a call from a person claiming to be a prosecutor from the People’s Procuracy. The caller accused him of involvement in a money laundering ring and used psychological manipulation to isolate him. H. was instructed to book two different hotel rooms and strictly avoid contact with anyone while proving his innocence.

Following the scammers’ instructions, H. transferred money five times, totaling 129 million VND (around $5,050 USD), to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.

Second student lured under the pretense of a scholarship offer

In another case later that evening, the family of T.Q.M. (18 years old) reported to Gia Dinh ward police that M. had been kidnapped and possibly extorted.

Earlier that day, M. had sent his family a screenshot of a supposed university announcement offering an Australian scholarship. He requested 600 million VND, allegedly to prove financial capacity for the application process. However, the family did not send the money, and M. subsequently went missing after leaving home.

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Police safely rescued student T.Q.M. from a hotel where he was isolated. Photo: Provided by authorities.

Suspecting foul play, the family alerted police. The “online kidnapping” task force quickly coordinated with local officers, and by nightfall on August 2, they successfully located M. at a hotel in Gia Dinh ward.

According to M.’s account, he was contacted by someone claiming to be a scholarship agent who instructed him to isolate himself in a hotel and refrain from all communication. The caller pressured M. to provide proof of financial stability.

M. then brought valuables from home with the intention of pawning or selling them to raise the requested amount. He had transferred 2.1 million VND (about $82 USD) before police intervened and safely brought him home.

Dam De