18-year-old Viet Anh from Phu Tho province is being held in custody by Nghe An provincial police on 14/9, on suspicion of fraud, under Article 174 of the penal code.

Suspect Viet Anh at the police station. Photo: Police Department

Suspect Viet Anh at the police station. Photo: Police Department

In early September, Viet Anh began advertising popular anime figurines like Gundam, Dragon Ball, and One Piece online, claiming they were "rare, limited-edition items." He offered discounts for bulk orders and free shipping, requiring customers to pay in full before delivery.

Instead of sending the promised merchandise, Viet Anh packed bricks into cardboard boxes and shipped them to his customers. Following reports from victims, police tracked Viet Anh down and arrested him at his home in Phu Tho province on 14/9.

Authorities seized two mobile phones, five packaged boxes, and several bricks prepared for the scam.

Bricks Viet Anh packed into boxes to ship to customers. Photo: Police Department

Bricks Viet Anh packed into boxes to ship to customers. Photo: Police Department

Investigators allege Viet Anh carried out five scams in Nghe An and other provinces, netting 35 million VND.

Duc Hung