The investigation follows simultaneous inspections of four villas on the evening of October 20, conducted by criminal police officers and other relevant units.

During the operation, authorities discovered 18 Chinese nationals at the properties.

Of those, nine were found to have violated residency regulations by failing to register their temporary accommodation with local authorities.

Rapid drug screening also showed that nine individuals tested positive for illegal drugs.

Police reported additional indications of suspected illegal drug use, organization of drug-use activities and unlawful drug possession.

Officers also discovered numerous computers and mobile phones that were operating at the time of the inspections.

The devices displayed multiple chat windows containing messages allegedly linked to the operation of online gambling networks and advertisements for high-interest loans.

Investigators suspect that some individuals may have been involved in organizing online gambling and illegal high-interest lending activities.

Khanh Hoa police are continuing to examine the electronic devices, verify the individuals' activities and clarify the suspected violations.

Authorities have not announced any arrests or final conclusions regarding the suspected gambling and lending operations.

Xuan Ngoc