On 25/6, 30-year-old Thinh and 26-year-old Le Thi Tra, along with over 90 others, were detained by Nghe An Provincial Police on charges of fraud and asset appropriation, under Article 174 of the Penal Code.
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Phan Dinh Thinh (left) and Le Thi Tra in police custody. Photo: Hoa Vang |
Phan Dinh Thinh (left) and Le Thi Tra in police custody. Photo: Hoa Vang
Investigators identified Thinh and Tra as key figures in the transnational criminal organization based in Myanmar and the Philippines. In addition to those who crossed the border to join the operation overseas, hundreds of other accomplices in various provinces throughout Vietnam participated, lured by the promise of high commissions.
Thinh, Tra, and other leaders directed their subordinates to make calls over the internet to Vietnam. They would befriend and develop romantic relationships with their targets, manipulating them into participating in e-commerce "tasks" in exchange for commissions.
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Evidence seized by police. Photo: Hoa Vang |
Evidence seized by police. Photo: Hoa Vang
Initially, the group would pay victims both the promised commission and their initial investment to build trust. Once victims committed larger sums, the system would report an error, requiring additional funds to resolve the issue. The group would then abscond with the entire amount.
Thousands fell victim to this scheme, including many in Nghe An province. Following reports, on 23/6, Nghe An Provincial Police's Criminal Investigation Department coordinated with the Ministry of Public Security, provincial police departments, and border checkpoints nationwide, mobilizing hundreds of officers. The task forces simultaneously executed search warrants and arrested nearly 100 individuals in Nghe An and other localities.
Additional suspects were apprehended upon entering Vietnam.
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Some of the suspects arrested by police. Photo: Hoa Vang |
Some of the suspects arrested by police. Photo: Hoa Vang
Authorities estimate the group has embezzled over 2,000 billion VND (approximately $85 million USD). One victim alone lost over 15 billion VND (approximately $638,000 USD) in just two days.
The investigation is ongoing.
Duc Hung
