On 21/6, the Security Investigation Agency of Ho Chi Minh City Police provisionally detained Fan HaiMing, Cao JiaLiang, and Nguyen Hong Thao Nhi (34 years old) for investigation into the crime of organizing illegal residency for others in Vietnam.

Bao Ly Hotel, where dozens of Chinese nationals resided illegally. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Previously, on 17/6, under the direct guidance of the Director of Ho Chi Minh City Police, 22 task forces led by the Immigration Management Department, in coordination with professional units and local police, simultaneously inspected various accommodation establishments.

At a house in Hiep Binh Ward, police discovered 42 Chinese nationals residing illegally. Authorities seized 132 mobile phones, 77 tablets, 7 laptops, along with numerous network and telecommunications devices used for online fraud.

Investigators determined this was a location where the foreign group gathered personnel, living communally in a closed model. These individuals rented the entire house, installed high-speed internet, and equipped it with bunk beds to operate a fraud ring targeting Chinese citizens.

Fan HaiMing was assigned to manage personnel, monitor, and maintain internal discipline. Cao JiaLiang was in charge of logistics and managing entry and exit. Nhi was hired to find locations and convert living spaces for concentrated accommodation.

According to investigators, individuals brought to these locations were under strict movement control, with all activities directed from abroad.

Police search and arrest dozens of Chinese nationals residing illegally. Video: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Criminals shift 'bases' from Cambodia to Vietnam

Investigators note that recently, as Cambodia has intensified its crackdown, many criminal gangs led by Chinese nationals tend to shift their operational territories to Vietnam.

Over a month ago, Ho Chi Minh City Police, in coordination with Thuan Giao Ward Police, inspected Bao Ly Guesthouse, discovering 85 Chinese citizens who had not declared their residency.

Police confiscated approximately 200 computers, laptops, over 550 mobile phones, and other electronic devices.

Investigations determined that Dai Fei (also known as Lei Long), Hu Guoyu, and Zhou Wendong were instructed to travel to Vietnam to survey locations, rent accommodation facilities, install network systems, prepare infrastructure, machinery, and arrange for people to be brought from China.

According to investigators, the group's objective was to establish a cyber fraud operation center.

During the examination of electronic data, investigators discovered numerous documents and fraud scripts for appropriating assets in cyberspace through various schemes, including impersonating e-commerce platforms, financial investment, stock investment, and other methods.

On 8/6, police also discovered 83 Chinese nationals, most of whom had entered illegally from Cambodia, gathered at the Emerald Gold Hotel in Binh Duong Ward.

In connection with this case, investigators have prosecuted Dai Fei, Hu Guoyu, Zhou Wendong, Quach Thi Hue, Pham Thanh Son, and Pham Thi Huynh Nhu for organizing illegal residency for others in Vietnam.

Chinese nationals discovered in a hotel in Thuan Giao Ward. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

During the 45-day intensive campaign to sweep and clear the area, Ho Chi Minh City Police inspected 1,616 accommodation establishments, uncovering 160 locations violating residency declaration regulations and nearly 311 cases of foreigners violating immigration regulations, illegal labor, or gambling.

Investigators have initiated criminal proceedings in eight cases involving 26 defendants, including nine foreign nationals, six owners or managers of accommodation facilities, and seven brokers.

According to Ho Chi Minh City Police, these inspections will be maintained regularly to prevent transnational fraud gangs from exploiting integration and tourism policies to operate within the city.

Quoc Thang