On 28/1, Van Anh, 42, residing in Dai Dong commune, along with 11 individuals aged 27 to 54, were criminally detained by Nghe An Provincial Police for investigation into charges of gambling, organizing gambling, and possessing banned goods.

Suspect Van Anh at the investigative agency. Photo: Hoa Vang

According to the investigation, over the past few months, Van Anh constructed a basement approximately 60 square meters in size at his private residence in Dai Dong commune (formerly part of Thanh Chuong district). This basement was divided into two small rooms, specifically designed for organizing gambling activities.

To access the bunker, gamblers had to pass through four reinforced steel doors. Numerous surveillance cameras were strategically placed around the premises, allowing the owner to monitor all movements inside and outside the house.

Daily, once about 10 players had gathered, Van Anh would open the bunker doors, then lock all four layers of doors. The gamblers would then play 'lieng', a card game, for money. After a few hours, once the game concluded, the gambling den owner would clear away the items and destroy any evidence.

Police raid the bunker, arresting dozens of gamblers. Video: Hoa Vang

On the afternoon of 26/1, following several weeks of surveillance, the Criminal Police Department of Nghe An Provincial Police mobilized dozens of officers to raid the bunker inside Van Anh's house. They caught 12 individuals, comprising 10 men and two women, playing 'lieng' for money. At the scene, police seized 90 million VND, two decks of playing cards, 7 cameras, and 6 explosive fireworks with a total weight exceeding 10 kg.

Duc Hung