The information was released on March 5 by the Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention and Control (A05) under the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, announcing progress in the investigation.

According to investigators, the Police Investigation Agency of northern Hung Yen province has launched criminal proceedings against 30 individuals involved in operating the “Xoi Lac TV” system. The network illegally streamed sports events and films while also organising and facilitating online gambling activities.

Initial findings indicate that “Xoi Lac TV” operated through websites providing live streams that illegally rebroadcast sports and entertainment content owned by legitimate copyright holders. The platform reportedly integrated advertisements, links and redirection mechanisms guiding viewers to online gambling platforms.

Police said the criminal network operated on a large scale with a structured organisation divided into multiple units. The suspects allegedly disguised their activities under the cover of technology companies.

Two key masterminds have been identified as P.N.D., born in 1979, and N.C.D., born in 1993, both residing in Hanoi.

The police said the illegal operation seriously infringed upon the rights and interests of copyright owners while also posing risks to social order and cybersecurity. The distribution of pirated content combined with links to online gambling platforms could expose internet users to various criminal activities.

Investigators also warned that accessing such illegal websites may expose users to malware, personal data theft, financial fraud or involvement in illegal gambling networks.

The police have so far prosecuted nearly the entire network, including administrators, operators and commentators. Several well-known commentators on the platform have also been detained.

“We have arrested several well-known commentators on Xoi Lac TV such as Batman and Scarecrow, along with many anonymous accounts. The suspects assigned specific roles for administrators and operators, forming a structured and highly organised commentary system,” an A05 representative said at the press briefing.

The platform suddenly went offline on February 2 without any announcement. Before that, the piracy website had operated around the clock, streaming and commentating on numerous sports events across different time zones.

According to authorities, piracy platforms like “Xoi Lac TV” have operated in Vietnam for years, often embedding illegal betting advertisements and undermining legitimate pay-TV providers.

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