On 28/9, the Criminal Police Department (C02) of the Ministry of Public Security announced the indictment of Dung, Pham Tien Manh (known as "That Manh"), Nguyen Van Giang (known as "Giang rong"), Pham Trung Kien (known as Kien Troc), and 13 others. They face charges of illegally providing or using computer network and telecommunication network information, under Article 288 of the Penal Code.

The 17 individuals are accused of using the Youtube social media platform to produce and upload short films featuring "drama" content, violent imagery, and the use of knives and guns to resolve conflicts, portraying a gangster lifestyle and image. The aim was to attract many subscribers and followers, generating views and likes to earn money from Youtube.

Dung troc Ha Dong before his arrest. *Photo: FBNV*

Dung, 58, residing in Ha Noi, gained notoriety for frequently posting videos with gangster and "underworld" themes. He is the adoptive father of Kha "Banh" and associated with other online gangsters such as Huan Hoa Hong and Phu Le.

In 2013, the Ha Noi People's Court sentenced Dung to 24 months in prison for disturbing public order, related to a shooting incident at the Next Top nightclub. In 5/2021, the former Hoa Binh city People's Court sentenced Dung to three years and six months in prison for illegally organizing drug use, after he was caught using MDMA ecstasy and Ketamine with four others at a karaoke parlor.

"That Manh," 36, from Hung Yen province, self-proclaimed "Manh hoan luong" (reformed Manh), has hundreds of thousands of followers on social media. Beyond his "online gangster" persona, Manh is also the CEO of That Manh Entertainment Company, owning the "That Manh doi TV" channel, and producing many short films with gangster themes for social media.

Online personality "Giang rong" often appeared alongside "Dung troc Ha Dong" in videos and daily life. He featured in several online videos and played a supporting role in the online action film "Giai cuu nguoi tinh" (Rescuing the Lover) with "Dung troc Ha Dong" and other actors.

Suspects Nguyen Van Dung, Pham Trung Kien, and Nguyen Van Giang (from left to right). *Photo: Police provided*

Recently, many Tiktokers and online gangsters have been arrested for various offenses, including the couple Huan Hoa Hong, Phu Le, Hai Sapa TV, Vua Quat, Khanh Sky, Ho Van Khoa, "Te Dien," "Co giao Huong," Pham Tuan, and others.