VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Public Security has handed over 16 alleged hi-tech male criminals to mainland Chinese and Taiwanese authorities.

Police said 11 were from Taiwan and five from mainland China. They are reported to have used hi-tech equipment and the internet connection from a dwelling in Ha Noi's Cau Giay District to cheat their compatriots back home.

Investigators believe the men were linked to a bigger international group.

The suspects are said to have set up in Viet Nam after being hunted by authorities in mainland China, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia.

Police said the ringleader, Tsao Chia Lin, had admitted that members of his gang entered Viet Nam as tourists and students.

The men are said to have posed as Chinese officials and police and representatives of the People's Court of China to contact Chinese office workers and ask them to transfer money to their accounts.

Police in HCM City, Can Tho City and southern Binh Duong Province had arrested similar hi-tech criminal gangs from mainland China and Taiwan.

To escape detection, the criminals registered their internet services in the name of the house owner, kept their doors closed and entered and left the premises very quietly.

The Ministry of Public Security said those who let homes or apartments to foreigners should be vigilant and notify authorities if they discover any suspicious activities.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News