VietNamNet Bridge – Police in central Thanh Hoa Province busted an online football gambling ring worth nearly VND100 billion (US$4.3 million), arresting 11 people.

Suspects involved in an online football gambling ring worth nearly VND100 billion (US$4.3 million) in central Thanh Hoa Province and seized items related to their betting activities at the police station. — Photo dantri.com.vn

According to preliminary information, Ho Duc Tuan and Nguyen Van Tuan, who live in Thanh Hoa Province, were the masterminds of the ring.

Tuan purchased an account worth VND2 billion ($87,000) on the website, ABC.332bet.com, and created a number of sub-accounts. He then called some local residents to gamble.

Nine other persons suspected of involvement in the betting ring have also been detained by the police for investigation.

The suspects told the police that the total transactions of the gambling ring have been worth nearly VND100 billion since the beginning of the FIFA World Cup.

Upon inspecting the homes of the 11 arrested persons, the police seized more than VND700 million in cash, two cars, 16 mobile phones, 16 computers and other equipment related to gambling.

Further investigations are underway.

Gambling is illegal in Vietnam and police across the country are trying to stop betting in the black market, which tends to surge during major sporting events, such as the ongoing football World Cup.

Last Friday, police busted another huge gambling ring worth some VND600 billion ($26 million) in HCM City, arresting four and summoning several others for questioning.

The suspects admitted to doing transactions using a website hosted in the Philippines.

Source: VNS