Vietnamese police have dismantled a Cambodia-linked fraud network that was preparing to launch a large-scale scam operation in the country.
On June 11, Phu Tho Provincial Police announced that the provincial Security Investigation Agency had issued emergency detention orders for four suspects: Zhao Wei Zhong, also known as A Chau, a Chinese national, along with Nguyen Thanh Long, Tran Thi Thu Huong and Pham Dinh Nam. Investigators have also identified and arrested the alleged ringleader of the network for further questioning.
Major General Nguyen Minh Tuan (second from right) personally questions a suspect. Photo: CACC
The procedural decisions were carried out on June 5 and June 7 under the direct supervision of Major General Nguyen Minh Tuan, Director of Phu Tho Provincial Police, and Colonel Lam Van Vinh, head of the provincial Security Investigation Agency.
According to investigators, the suspects had previously worked for online scam organizations operating in Cambodia. As Cambodian authorities intensified crackdowns on fraud compounds, the group allegedly sought to relocate operations to Vietnam.
Zhao Wei Zhong was assigned to enter Vietnam to survey potential locations and coordinate preparations. Investigators said he worked with local accomplices to receive individuals arriving from Cambodia and organize the infrastructure needed for the operation.
The group reportedly targeted isolated resorts, farmstays and private villas in Hanoi, Lao Cai and Phu Tho. Entire properties were rented for extended periods, with efforts made to minimize contact with local residents in order to conceal their activities.
Phu Tho Provincial Police dismantle a high-tech fraud ring linked to Cambodia. Photo: CACC
Authorities said the suspects had already arranged for dozens of Chinese nationals to stay at the rented locations. During inspections, police discovered 16 individuals who were unable to provide legal immigration documents.
The Security Investigation Agency coordinated with immigration authorities and local police in Tam Dao Commune to search the accommodation facilities linked to the case.
Officers seized 73 desktop computers, 134 mobile phones, 34 USB storage devices and 20 Wi-Fi transmission systems. Hundreds of chairs, desks, bunk beds and mattresses intended to support a large-scale centralized operation were also confiscated.
Investigators said the equipment had only recently been transported to the sites and installed. Police moved quickly to dismantle and neutralize the facilities before the suspects could put the fraud center into operation.
Vietnamnet.vn
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