Police in the northern city of Hai Phong and province of Hai Duong have broken up two online soccer betting and gambling rings responsible for betting of nearly VNĐ7.6 trillion (US$340 million), according to the Ministry of Public Security’s High-tech Crime Prevention Police Department.

The rings were allegedly led by Bui Khac Hien, 52, who resides in Hanoi’s Thanh Xuan District.

Police co-ordinated with local police from Hanoi, Hai Phong, Hai Duong and Thanh Hoa to arrest Hien and 22 other people suspected of involvement in the betting.

Police also report confiscating one Mercedes Benz auto, VNĐ200 million ($8,900) in cash and equipment used for soccer betting and gambling, along with documents. The initial investigation indicated that Hien and other members of the rings began conducting online soccer betting in June 2015, with total betting reaching  VNĐ7.6 trillion.

Those participating in betting came from many localities, including Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, Da Nang and Thanh Hoa.

The case is under further investigation.

VNS