On March 29, the Da Nang City Police Criminal Investigation Department announced the temporary detention of Long, 46, residing in Hoa Cuong ward, for organizing gambling under Article 322 of the Penal Code.

The suspect has previous convictions for intentionally causing injury, organizing gambling, and gambling.

Dang Phuoc Long at the police station. Photo: Thanh Huynh

According to the investigation, on 12/11/2025, police inspected the New Emperors Poker Club, located at a hotel on Pham Van Dong street, near Bien Dong beach. They discovered about 30 people participating in a poker tournament. These individuals were not members but purchased tickets for 650,000 VND to join the tournament, which had an announced prize value of 50 million VND.

Investigators determined that under the guise of a "tournament," players directly competed to win prize money. Long instructed his staff to organize and promote the event on social media to attract participants, including tourists.

From ticket sales and the prize structure, Long is accused of retaining a portion for personal profit. This activity was not licensed by competent authorities.

The tournament during the police inspection. Photo: Thanh Huynh

Authorities stated that organizing disguised poker tournaments aims to conceal gambling activities, making inspections difficult. This poses risks of social ills and negatively impacts the tourism environment.

Police have collected electronic data and documents related to the organization, fee collection, and promotion of the tournament.

The investigation is expanding to clarify the roles of those involved.

Ngoc Truong