On 22/4, the Da Nang City Police Criminal Investigation Department initiated legal proceedings, indicted suspects, and temporarily detained Nguyen Van Duong, 25, from Phu Tho, and Do Nguyen Bich Tram, 24, residing in Thanh Khe ward, Da Nang, for money laundering.

Nguyen Van Duong and Do Nguyen Bich Tram at the police station. *Photo: Thanh Huynh*

The investigation began in late March after a 37-year-old woman in Hoa Xuan ward, Da Nang, reported being defrauded of nearly 1.5 billion VND by a group of individuals via Facebook. Police determined the scam group created fake Facebook pages impersonating the "Yody" fashion brand. They posted messages like "customer appreciation" and "anniversary gifts" to entice victims into prize packages. The group instructed the female victim to transfer money for each "order" to receive prizes. When the amount became substantial, and the victim attempted to withdraw funds, the suspects cited incorrect information to demand additional transfers, then misappropriated the money.

After the money was stolen, the culprits circulated it through numerous personal and corporate bank accounts to conceal its origin, complicating tracing efforts. Expanding the money trail investigation, police identified Duong and Tram as two direct links to this laundering operation.

Both suspects admitted that from 26/2 to 23/3, they traveled to Sihanoukville, Cambodia, to work for an unidentified company. Their task involved using personal bank accounts to receive fraudulent money, then transferring it to other accounts or purchasing USDT virtual currency as instructed. To facilitate this, Duong opened 8 accounts, and Tram opened 7 bank accounts.

Each month, the suspects were paid about 30 million VND. Despite knowing the money was criminally obtained, they continued their activities, illicitly profiting over 410 million VND. Police seized 5 mobile phones, one laptop, and other related documents. The case is undergoing further investigation to identify other individuals involved in the ring.