Hoang Lien Son, 40, from Lao Cai province, and 11 others have been indicted by the Hanoi City Police Investigation Agency. They face charges of producing, trading, exchanging, or gifting tools, devices, or software for illegal purposes.
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Hoang Lien Son at the investigation agency. Photo: Police provided |
Hoang Lien Son at the investigation agency. Photo: Police provided
Police stated that Son, a former information technology student with a strong grasp of technology, discovered that some Xanh SM electric taxis were equipped with infrared sensor systems for managing and monitoring routes while working as a ride-hailing driver.
This led him to develop a device capable of interfering with the sensor system's operation. Son intended to sell these devices to drivers, enabling them to collect fares directly from passengers without reporting the revenue to the company.
To execute his plan, Son ordered components online, then assembled and produced the devices himself. These devices were designed to interfere with the taxis' sensor systems.
Each device cost approximately 75,000 VND to produce, which Son then sold for 300,000 to 500,000 VND. He also acquired wired infrared transponders for about 30,000 VND, reselling them for 250,000 to 300,000 VND.
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Seized exhibits. Photo: Police provided |
Seized exhibits. Photo: Police provided
Son was apprehended on 20/4 in Phuc Loi ward while selling the electronic devices. Police investigations revealed that from 8/2025 to 4/2026, Son sold approximately 600 devices, generating an illicit profit of 200 million VND.
During the inspection, police seized numerous electronic devices, batteries, mobile phones, a motorbike, and other related exhibits. A search of Son's residence uncovered various machines, tools, and components used for manufacturing illegal electronic devices, along with 158 million VND in cash.
Expanding the case, investigators determined that Son had sold a significant number of these devices to drivers in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and other provinces.
