Ho Chi Minh City police establish special unit to combat "online kidnappings"

Following a series of online kidnappings targeting students across Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City police have formed a specialized unit to swiftly investigate and address these crimes.

On 1/8, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department's Criminal Police Division (PC02) established a dedicated task force to handle "online kidnapping" cases. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Trung Hoa, Deputy Head of the division, leads the task force, which comprises commanders and officers from various investigative teams.

Perpetrators impersonating police officers show victims images of staged "interrogations" where accomplices pretend to be criminals and falsely implicate the victim. Photo: Can Tho Police

The task force will receive reports, collaborate with relevant agencies to investigate and prevent these crimes, and ensure victims' safety as quickly as possible.

Citizens who suspect or encounter an "online kidnapping" are urged to contact PC02 at 0693.187.200 or Team 2 at 028.3821.7080 for immediate assistance.

This action by the Ho Chi Minh City police comes as authorities and media continue to issue warnings about this crime. Despite these warnings, many young people in Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho have fallen victim to "online kidnappings."

This sophisticated new tactic employed by cybercriminals combines technology and psychological manipulation to create panic and extort money.

The typical scheme involves impersonating police officers, prosecutors, or delivery drivers via phone calls or social media, often using video calls, including Zoom Workplace, along with fabricated summons. They claim the victim is involved in money laundering or drug trafficking and demand their "appearance" in an online investigation, threatening arrest otherwise. The perpetrators then isolate the victims, often in their rooms, rented hotels, or by cutting off contact with family and friends. Some students have been coerced into self-inflicted restraints and torture, which is filmed and sent to families as part of extortion attempts, demanding hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong.

Investigators advise parents to monitor their children's use of electronic devices. Recent cases reveal that many victims, due to panic, lack of legal knowledge, and poor response skills, fall prey to these scams.

Parents should educate their children about impersonation and fraud tactics, teaching them how to verify information and remain calm when receiving calls from strangers claiming to be authorities. Schools should increase awareness of cybercrime prevention and integrate personal safety skills into their life skills programs.

Ho Chi Minh City police emphasize they never conduct official business via social media, issue summons by phone, or demand money transfers. Citizens should never provide photos, bank account details, or personal information to strangers. If suspicious, immediately disconnect, preserve any evidence, and contact the nearest police station or the 113 emergency hotline.