Dien Bien busts transnational cyber fraud ring targeting over 5,000 victims
VOV.VN - Police in the northern border province of Dien Bien have dismantled a transnational cyber fraud ring, arresting 59 individuals in a major crackdown that saw more than 5,000 victims defrauded of over VND15 billion in just around 20 days.
According to the provincial police, in early March 2026, they uncovered a criminal network led by Chinese nationals in collusion with Vietnamese accomplices, who had moved operations from Cambodia to Laos to continue online scams. In April, investigators launched case 426H, working closely with the Criminal Police Department (C02) under the Ministry of Public Security and Lao police in Bokeo province.
Investigators found that between mid-March and early April, the group targeted over 5,000 victims, using sophisticated tactics such as fake websites, social media accounts and disposable SIM cards with international roaming. Posing as delivery services linked to vaccination programmes, they exploited victims’ personal data to build trust, initially requesting small transfers to “confirm orders.”
They then fabricated scenarios in which victims had mistakenly subscribed to services and faced recurring charges, directing them to fraudulent links to cancel the service. Victims were psychologically manipulated into transferring more money, even taking out loans, before the criminals cut off contact.
On April 10, authorities simultaneously raided two buildings in Bokeo province, detaining 55 Vietnamese and four Chinese nationals in the act, including alleged ringleader Duong Van Ha. Officers seized hundreds of electronic devices, SIM cards and scripted materials used in the scams.
The 55 Vietnamese individuals and related evidence were transferred to Vietnam via Tay Trang border gate on April 12 for further investigation, while the four Chinese nationals were handed over to Lao authorities for legal proceedings.
Police said the case underscores growing cross-border cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in tackling organised cybercrime.
Vietnam steps up fight against cybercrime to safeguard national cybersecurity
VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for urgent and comprehensive measures to prevent, deter, and neutralize cybercrime, stressing the need to firmly protect national cybersecurity, digital sovereignty, and public safety amid rising online threats.
