Vietnamese and Lao police raid scam operation in Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone

Ninety-one individuals were arrested as Vietnamese and Lao police raided a scam operation in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, which allegedly defrauded thousands of Vietnamese citizens of over 1,500 billion VND.

Lao Cai Provincial Police announced on 16/9 that they led a joint operation with Vietnamese and Lao authorities to dismantle a transnational scam ring. This group operated out of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo province, Laos.

During the raid on 12/9, law enforcement arrested 91 suspects, including 64 Vietnamese and 27 foreign nationals. Authorities identified several ringleaders and key members among those detained. At the scene, police seized 65 computers and 192 mobile phones.

The arrest of the suspects. *Video: Ministry of Public Security*

According to police, the group established its operations within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. They used computer networks, telecommunications, and electronic devices to target and defraud Vietnamese people.

The suspects created Facebook accounts to befriend victims, then lured them into performing fake order placement tasks for commissions on fraudulent websites. Using this method, the ring allegedly defrauded thousands of Vietnamese citizens of over 1,500 billion VND from early 2026 until their arrest.

Following the sweep, the General Department of Police, Lao Ministry of Public Security, handed over the 64 Vietnamese suspects and related evidence to Lao Cai Provincial Police. This transfer allows for further investigation and legal processing.