The Quang Ninh Provincial Police Investigation Agency has concluded its investigation into a gambling and illegal gambling organization case in the Hon Dam Bac gorge area of Ha Long Bay.

The investigation revealed that from late 12/2025 to 1/2026, Nguyen Dinh Manh, 41, residing in Hong Gai ward, Quang Ninh province, and several accomplices conceived the idea of transforming boats into mobile gambling dens.

Three fishing boats used by Manh and his accomplices as a mobile gambling den at sea. Photo: Provided by police.

Daily, Manh's group utilized fishing boats to collect and transport gamblers from the mainland to remote, out-of-sight locations within Ha Long Bay.

On the afternoon of 2/1, the Criminal Police Department, leading a joint operation with other functional units, apprehended numerous individuals actively organizing gambling activities in the Hon Dam Bac gorge. Three fishing boats, which served as both transport and the gambling venue, along with 457 million VND, were seized at the scene.

Subsequently, 30 individuals were prosecuted for gambling and organizing gambling.

Authorities noted that this case illustrates a shift in gambling operations, which are no longer restricted to fixed structures or discreet land-based locations. Suspects are now fully exploiting rivers, seas, and waterways to conceal their illicit activities.

Le Tan