Lao Cai Provincial Police announced on 10/1 the dismantling of an inter-provincial human trafficking ring, which led to the rescue of 21 female victims and the arrest of 10 suspected individuals. The operation, conducted by the Criminal Police Department in coordination with the Criminal Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security, uncovered a network exploiting minors under 16, disguised as workers in karaoke and massage venues across various provinces.

On 8/1, police summoned and arrested 10 individuals suspected of involvement in the ring. Authorities issued urgent arrest warrants for four key suspects: Dang Van Vinh, 29; Pham Thi Hoa, 34; Nguyen Anh Tuan, 27; and Lo Minh Quang, 20.

Suspects Dang Van Vinh and Pham Thi Hoa. Photo: Provided by police

Police determined that the group used social media platforms, including Facebook, Zalo, and Telegram, to recruit individuals. Victims were then forced to work at karaoke parlors and coerced into debt. If a victim wished to leave, the ring would transfer them to another group, demanding the new "owner" pay off the victim's accumulated debts. This system was a disguised method of transferring people for financial gain.

Some suspects involved in the case. Photo: Provided by police

Authorities believe this inter-provincial ring operated across various provinces, targeting minors under 16 and using massage and karaoke establishments as a front.