Police in Lao Cai province, in coordination with national criminal units and the Ministry of Public Security's overseas bureau, have successfully taken down a transnational cyber scam operation based in Cambodia, arresting 47 individuals accused of defrauding thousands of victims across Vietnam.

On January 29, Lao Cai police announced the results of the operation, which targeted a large-scale online fraud ring operating out of Prey Veng province, Cambodia.

Preliminary investigations revealed that from early 2025 until now, the group defrauded thousands of victims nationwide, stealing a total sum exceeding 300 billion VND (over $12 million).

Authorities traced the group to a building in Krabau commune, Kamchay Mear district, where the suspects were allegedly hiding and conducting their criminal operations.

Earlier, Lao Cai investigators detected a pattern of cross-border activity involving the use of computers, telecommunications networks, and electronic tools to commit large-scale fraud. The perpetrators reportedly created multiple fake Facebook accounts to befriend victims and convince them to invest in fictitious online financial platforms they had built to siphon funds.

Recognizing the scale and complexity of the operation, the director of the Lao Cai provincial police ordered a formal investigation and mobilized a multi-agency task force.

On January 16, five task teams involving more than 100 officers coordinated with Cambodian authorities to raid the site in Krabau. All 47 suspects were captured during the operation, including five Chinese nationals and 42 Vietnamese.

Authorities also confiscated 20 computers, 20 mobile phones, and other related evidence. The ringleader was identified as Le Dinh Hung, 37, from Hong Gai ward in Quang Ninh province.

In addition, seven individuals in Vietnam who were previously involved in the network have been summoned for questioning as the investigation expands.

On January 23, Lao Cai's police department officially charged and issued arrest warrants for all 47 suspects under Clause 4, Article 290 of Vietnam’s Penal Code, for using computer networks, telecommunications, or electronic means to commit fraud. The prosecution orders have been approved by the provincial People's Procuracy.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the operation and the roles of each suspect involved.

Duc Hoang