They arrested 63 individuals and seized multiple electronic devices as evidence, while investigators uncovered a highly organised operation resembling a corporate structure.

The case was first uncovered in early 2025 following a complaint from a local resident who lost VND40 million in an online scam involving fake e-commerce transactions and lottery schemes.

Investigators later traced the network to a compound in Bavet (Cambodia), allegedly operated by foreign ringleaders. The group used telecom networks and digital platforms to impersonate legitimate businesses, e-commerce platforms and even state-affiliated services, police said.

According to investigators, the operation was run like a closed-loop enterprise, with clearly defined roles including managers, team leaders, sales agents, customer service staff and technical operators.

Two main scam models were identified, including fake “order-flipping” platforms that promised commissions, and fraudulent lottery applications claiming to manipulate results.

Victims were often lured through social engineering tactics, including fake online personas designed to build trust before encouraging financial investment.

“The most sophisticated tactic was exploiting emotional vulnerability,” said Captain Pham Anh Trung, an officer of the Criminal Police Division under the Cao Bang Provincial Police.

Once victims transferred funds, the system displayed fake profits to encourage further deposits before accounts were abruptly frozen.

Authorities said some suspects voluntarily traveled abroad to participate in the scheme due to the promise of high income, with “sales agents” earning commissions of 8–15% on defrauded sums.

However, those failing to meet targets reportedly faced penalties or were transferred to other groups.

“This was not just a cybercrime operation, but a professional fraud system targeting victims’ psychology and greed,” said Major Chu Phuong Khai, an officer of the Criminal Police Division under the Cao Bang Provincial Police

Losses ranged from tens of millions to billions of dong, with one victim in Hanoi reporting losses of VND3.5 billion.

During a coordinated crackdown with relevant Cambodian agencies, 176 Vietnamese nationals were detained in Cambodia, with 68 repatriated to Vietnam for further investigation, police said.

Authorities described the case as one of the largest cyber fraud operations uncovered, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated and cross-border nature of such crimes. They called for further investigation to identify additional suspects and dismantle related networks.

Police urged the public to remain cautious of online investment schemes, job offers promising high returns, and unsolicited financial requests, warning that cyber scams are becoming increasingly complex.

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.