On 31/3, Dak Lak Provincial Police criminally detained Dinh Bo Linh and 39 others for gambling and organizing gambling. On the afternoon of the same day, authorities raided a fishing pond, apprehending over 45 people participating in the "reward fishing" gambling scheme. Participants hailed from various provinces including Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Dong Nai, Gia Lai, and Thanh Hoa.

40 people criminally detained by police. Photo: Ngoc Oanh.

The scheme, which operated for profit, began in February 2026. Linh rented a fishing pond from a resident in Ea Knuec commune to host the "reward fishing" activity. To participate, individuals were required to pay 2.5 million dong per fishing rod.

On 28/3, Linh inaugurated a fishing tournament at the Linh Dinh fishing pond in Ea Knuec commune, widely promoting it on social media. While prizes were advertised as fishing rods valued from 2 million to 30 million dong, all winnings were actually converted and paid in cash.

On the opening day, Linh collected over 107 million dong from players. Linh used approximately 80-85% of this money for prize payouts and organizational costs, and investigators identified the remainder as illicit profits.

At the scene, police seized over 120 million dong, 34 fishing rods, 10 automobiles, 30 motorbikes, over 40 mobile phones, and numerous related exhibits. Investigators identified Linh as the ringleader, assisted by Cao Xuan Hung, 30, and Dinh Minh Son, 27.

Tran Hoa