On 4/6, the Criminal Police Department of Nghe An Provincial Police provisionally detained Dung's group for investigation into "fraudulent appropriation of property" under Article 174 of the Penal Code.
Authorities revealed that between 5/2023 and 1/2026, the group defrauded 63 individuals across the country, stealing over 36 billion VND. One victim alone lost more than 6.6 billion VND within four days.
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Suspects Nguyen Dang Dung, Pham Van Tung, and Nguyen Dang Hieu (from left) at the investigative agency. *Photo: Hoa Vang*
The investigation revealed that in 2023, while in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Dung established the scam operation. He disguised it as an office company, recruiting numerous Vietnamese individuals as employees with promises of high salaries. Pham Van Tung, 31, and Nguyen Dang Hieu, 33, both from Tan Ky commune, assisted Dung.
The group operated hierarchically, divided into multiple teams, each comprising 6-8 individuals. Members received instructions on a scam script, using the tactic of "performing online purchasing tasks to earn commissions."
To ensnare victims, the "pawns" created fake Facebook profiles, posing as attractive, affluent women. They initiated friendships and conversations with numerous men, cultivating romantic relationships. Once victims developed trust, the group persuaded them to transfer money for supposed purchasing tasks, promising commissions, before ultimately stealing the funds.
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Dozens of suspects from the scam ring are currently in police custody. *Photo: Hoa Vang*
Recently, following Cambodia's intensified crackdown on fraud, Dung's group retreated to Vietnam. They hid in various locations, planning to resume operations and await an opportunity to return to their "company."
From 20/5 to 29/5, the Criminal Police Department of Nghe An Provincial Police, in collaboration with multiple agencies, deployed 24 task forces. These teams apprehended suspects and searched their residences across several provinces and cities.
Seized evidence included 30 mobile phones, two laptops, 15 passports, an automobile, and various related documents. Additionally, over 20 grams of drugs were confiscated.
The investigation is ongoing and being expanded.
Duc Hung
