Son La Provincial Police announced today that the Security Investigation Agency has prosecuted seven individuals, all residing in Lao Cai province and aged 26 to 42, on charges of fraudulent appropriation of property.

Initial investigation results determined that from December 2025 to April 2026, the group rented two YouTube channels named "Cuoc Song Tim Vang" and "Bao Long" to conduct livestreams. During these live broadcasts, they advertised and sold sand buckets containing yellow particles, priced at 500,000 VND per bucket.

Upon receiving payment, the group would pan the sand live during the stream, extracting yellow particles they claimed were real gold. They would then weigh these particles, convert their supposed value into cash, and demand additional payments from customers for alleged taxes and shipping fees to complete the 'gold' delivery. If customers transferred more money, the group would immediately block all communication via Zalo and YouTube.

A livestream session by this group. *Photo: Police provided*

Following this case, Son La Provincial Police urge the public to be vigilant against gold buying, selling, and searching activities advertised on social media.