Foreign nationals rent high-end apartments in Hanoi as bases for online fraud
VOV.VN - Hanoi Police warned on April 7 that foreign groups using tourist visas to rent high-end apartments and create company cover have been involved in online fraud and cross-border gambling in the city, with multiple cases identified.
Between December 15, 2025 and March 14, Hanoi Police uncovered three cases involving 58 foreign suspects engaged in fraud, online gambling targeting people outside Vietnam, illegal entry and other cross-border violations.
They said that as countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia, intensify crackdowns on cybercrime networks, some groups have moved to other countries in the region, including Vietnam.
Hanoi Police said they have identified the groups’ methods and have taken measures to prevent, detect and strictly handle foreign nationals entering the city to commit crimes.
Investigations show that the groups use a range of tactics. Leaders based overseas direct accomplices to work with Vietnamese contacts to rent properties, mainly in residential areas and high-end apartment buildings where foreigners commonly live, to conceal illegal activities. These locations are equipped with computers, simbox systems and mobile phones to facilitate criminal activities.
After securing locations, overseas ringleaders assign a foreign national to act as a “manager” in Vietnam, responsible for arranging tourist visas for other members to enter the country. Once in Vietnam, the suspects carry out fraud or organise online gambling targeting people outside Vietnam.
Police said the groups do not target Vietnamese citizens to avoid criminal liability in Vietnam. They also set up international securities companies as cover, operate in small groups and change locations regularly to avoid detection.
In addition, they hire Vietnamese nationals for housekeeping and daily errands to limit their exposure.
Based on these cases, Hanoi Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. Property owners renting to foreigners are advised to watch for unusual signs and promptly inform police for inspection and handling in accordance with the law.
Early detection and prevention of foreign nationals involved in transnational crime are important for maintaining public order and safeguarding the image of Hanoi and Vietnam.
Three Vietnamese arrested over Cambodia-based online scam worth over VND300 billion
VOV.VN - Police in Lai Chau province, northern Vietnam, have arrested three more Vietnamese nationals for involvement in a cross-border fraud network operating in Cambodia, which defrauded about 8,000 victims nationwide.
