On June 5, Ho Chi Minh City Police launched an investigation into groups of Malaysian and Indonesian nationals suspected of illegal drug use and high-tech fraud. This action followed coordinated raids by Thu Duc Ward Police, the Criminal Police Department, and other specialized units on multiple hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, where dozens of individuals were found. Investigators are currently classifying the case due to its complex nature, focusing on identifying ringleaders and key accomplices.
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Many foreigners tested positive for drugs. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police |
Many foreigners tested positive for drugs. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police
Authorities initiated their investigation after receiving public tips about an accommodation facility on Street 37 in Thu Duc Ward. Foreign nationals had rented rooms for extended periods, maintaining a reclusive lifestyle with minimal external contact, often entering or leaving late in the evening or at night. These patterns raised suspicions of drug use.
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Police checking hotel found many foreigners positive. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police |
Police checking hotel found many foreigners positive. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police
Late on June 3, police conducted a surprise inspection of the premises, apprehending five Malaysians. Inside the common areas and bedrooms, officers seized numerous plastic bags containing suspected crystal drugs, alongside drug paraphernalia such as glass pipes, torches, ceramic plates, and precision scales.
Further searches revealed the sophisticated nature of the suspected fraud operation. Authorities found various backdrops and signs designed to mimic foreign law enforcement agencies, along with pre-written scripts for scam calls. In the surrounding area, police discovered several bags containing computers and network equipment that had been discarded, an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.
The rooms were equipped with electronic systems resembling an online call center, complete with fake documents purporting to be from a police headquarters in Malaysia.
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Evidence seized by police. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police |
Evidence seized by police. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police
Expanding their investigation that same night, officers proceeded to inspect another hotel and a business establishment on Street 18 in Hiep Binh Ward. There, they apprehended an additional 21 Malaysians. Rapid testing conducted on all individuals involved confirmed that 18 tested positive for drugs.
These operations are part of a 45-day intensive campaign to suppress crime and secure the area, ordered by the Director of Ho Chi Minh City Police.
Nhat Vy
