On May 21, the Hung Yen Provincial Police Investigation Agency announced criminal proceedings against multiple suspects accused of copyright infringement, organizing gambling operations and online betting activities.

According to investigators, from May 15 to 21, the Criminal Police Division of Hung Yen Provincial Police coordinated with the Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention to simultaneously summon, arrest, search and prosecute suspects across several provinces and cities including Gia Lai, Tay Ninh, Vinh Phuc, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Authorities identified the alleged ringleader as Do Van Ch., born in 1995, originally from Lien Hoa Commune in Phu Tho Province and currently residing in An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

Investigators accuse the group of using high technology to infringe copyright and related broadcasting rights while simultaneously organizing online gambling operations.

The suspects allegedly operated multiple illegal football streaming websites including CakhiaTV, RakhoiTV and CaheoTV.

The platforms featured online commentators widely known on social media under nicknames such as “Giang A Pho,” “Giang A Lu,” “Giang A Loi,” “Giang A Pao” and “Giang A Cay.”

During searches, police confiscated 28 high-performance desktop computers, six tablets, 46 smartphones, 18 professional livestreaming systems and multiple high-speed internet broadcasting devices used for illegal football streaming and commentary.

Authorities also froze 27 bank accounts and seized or blocked more than VND10 billion in assets, along with several luxury cars connected to the case.

Sophisticated and closed operation

Initial investigations indicate the network had been operating nationwide since early 2024 with multiple participants involved.

According to police, the operation functioned through sophisticated and tightly controlled methods, with most communication and management conducted online.

Investigators said many participants did not know the true identities of the ringleaders.

Instructions were reportedly delivered through social media applications with automatic message deletion features.

Salaries and operating expenses were paid through anonymous electronic wallets designed to conceal money flows.

The suspects allegedly focused on illegally broadcasting football tournaments involving the Vietnam national team, as well as major international leagues and competitions including the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1.

Authorities said the English Premier League was the competition most frequently targeted for copyright infringement.

Notably, investigators determined the group had already begun preparations to illegally stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup before the operation was dismantled.

Beyond illegal broadcasting activities, the suspects are also accused of organizing online betting services linked directly to matches streamed on the websites.

Police are continuing to investigate the total illegal profits generated from copyright violations, gambling operations and online betting activities.

Hung Yen Provincial Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional suspects connected to the network are being pursued.

Bao Khanh