On 26/3, the Da Nang City Police Department's Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention and Control Division, in coordination with the Office of the Police Investigation Agency, announced Huy's arrest. They apprehended him in Ho Chi Minh City, where he resides, while he was impersonating a woman during video calls to entice victims into explicit chats.

Phan Ngoc Gia Huy upon arrest. *Photo: Thanh Huynh*

According to the investigation, Huy created multiple fake Zalo and Facebook accounts, posing as young women. He actively sought to befriend and message men, building trust with them. After establishing this trust, he would lure victims into video calls containing explicit content.

During these calls, Huy utilized various props to disguise himself as a woman. He would also instruct victims to perform similar acts, secretly recording all the content.

Immediately following the calls, Huy used these recorded videos to threaten victims, demanding "ransom" money by threatening to send the footage to their relatives, friends, and colleagues. Many victims, fearing damage to their reputation, complied with his demands and transferred the money.

Props Huy used to impersonate a woman and for explicit video chats. *Photo: Thanh Huynh*

Authorities confirmed that the total transactions in Huy's account exceeded 3.2 billion VND. They identified approximately 1.6 billion VND of this amount as money extorted through his fraudulent scheme.

Authorities advise the public not to engage in explicit calls with strangers online. They also caution individuals to be wary of new acquaintances who exhibit unusual intimacy. Furthermore, officials recommend against transferring money when threatened, instead urging victims to save all evidence and report incidents to the police for assistance.

Ngoc Truong