On 5/3, the Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention Department (A05, Ministry of Public Security) announced that, in cooperation with Hung Yen Provincial Police, it had indicted 30 individuals. The charges include copyright and related rights infringement, organizing gambling, and gambling.

A05 described the operation as systematic, involving numerous participants and disguised as technology companies. The Xoi Lac TV system illegally distributed and re-broadcasted content legally owned by rights holders. The website also embedded advertisements, links, and navigation mechanisms leading to gambling platforms.

A05 stated that these activities negatively impacted social order and safety, posing risks of crime and legal violations. The website also infringed upon the legal rights and interests of organizations and individuals.

Authorities indicated that the damages resulting from copyright and related rights infringement are currently being quantified and assessed by specialized agencies. Given the case's complexity, which involves numerous data sources and intermediary channels, the full extent of the damage will be disclosed once sufficient evidence is compiled.

Users watch live football on a website. Photo: Hoang Giang

Xoi Lac TV, which illegally broadcast international sports tournaments on the internet since 2016, was developed by an anonymous group. Commentators in its videos often claimed to reside abroad. The domain was registered via GoDaddy services, pointing to a server with an IP address in the US.

Authorities had previously voiced concerns about the copyright issues surrounding the channel. They stated, "Xoi Lac is not merely curious individuals streaming online for fun; it is connected to organized crime."

Pham Du