22 members of cross-border cybercrime ring arrested for 120 billion VND fraud

Luong Xuan Duyen and Pham Van Diem are accused of participating in a criminal organization operating in Myanmar and Cambodia, defrauding over 1,000 people of 120 billion VND.

On 28/12, Duyen and Diem, both 37 years old and residing in Hai Phong, along with 20 others, were prosecuted and temporarily detained by the Investigation Police Agency of Ha Tinh Provincial Public Security. They face charges of "fraudulent appropriation of property" under Article 174 of the Penal Code.

Investigators identified Duyen and Pham Van Thinh as key operators of the fraud group, which has been active in Myanmar and Cambodia since mid-2024, controlled by foreign principals.

Suspects Duyen and Diem (top row, from right) at the investigative agency. Photo: Public Security provided

Daily, Duyen, Diem, and other ringleaders instructed subordinates to impersonate logistics and finance officers from military units. They would call numerous individuals, enticing them to invest in food supply. Once a victim agreed, the perpetrators would connect via social media, often making video calls using fabricated images of state officials to build trust.

Operating location of the fraud gang in Myanmar. Photo: Public Security provided

During negotiations, the group would persuade victims to purchase additional items like food and household goods, promising high profits and commissions. When a customer contacted them, they assigned members to act as "wholesalers," negotiating prices and demanding upfront deposits or full payment before delivery. After receiving the money, the group would pressure victims to buy more items using the same script, then sever all contact.

Police escorting suspects to detention center. Photo: Public Security provided

Thousands of victims fell prey to these two schemes, including many in Ha Tinh. In late November, the Criminal Police Department of Ha Tinh Provincial Public Security, in coordination with Cambodian and Myanmar authorities, simultaneously raided multiple locations, arresting 22 individuals. Some suspects were apprehended immediately upon entering Vietnam via the Moc Bai international border gate in Tay Ninh province.

Authorities allege that from May until the dismantling of the operation, these two transnational crime rings defrauded over 1,000 victims across numerous provinces and cities nationwide, appropriating 120 billion VND.