On 28/9, the Criminal Police Department, Ministry of Public Security (C02), announced the arrest of Pham Tien Manh, known as online gangster "That Manh," and his associate Nguyen Ngoc Tuy (34, residing in Hanoi). The two are accused of creating the YouTube account "Doi TV" to produce and upload short films.

Manh's group utilized the channel to produce and upload short films, aiming to attract a large following and generate revenue through views and likes. To achieve this, Manh and Tuy hired Ban Van Huan (32, Tuyen Quang province), Vu Duy Man (35, Ninh Binh province), Le Dinh Quyen (36, Hanoi), and Vu Ba Dang (32, Bac Ninh) for directing, filming, and prop preparation. Manh also recruited Nguyen Van Dung (online gangster "Dung troc Ha Dong"), Nguyen Van Giang (known as "Giang rong"), and 9 relatives and friends to act. This network aimed to boost interaction across their YouTube channel and personal social media accounts.

Manh and his accomplices produced numerous short films for YouTube, notably Ke phan boi (12 minutes 15 seconds), Cuoc choi sap dat (12 minutes 31 seconds), and Phi vu cuoi cung (39 minutes 37 seconds).

The Criminal Police Department alleged that the films featured explicit "gangster" content, including gang activities, the use of knives, swords, and guns for settling scores, and the promotion of violence and social evils. The widespread dissemination of these three films across social media, drawing millions of subscribers, followers, comments, and shares, led to distorted perceptions among viewers. This was particularly detrimental to adolescents, who are in a critical stage of character development and legal awareness.

Investigators stated that these videos fostered an increased tendency to view violence as a conflict resolution method and encouraged a "copycat" phenomenon, potentially inspiring the formation of criminal gangs depicted onscreen. The content also negatively impacted public order and the reputation of various agencies and organizations.

"Dung troc Ha Dong" during his arrest. *Photo: Police provided*.

Six days after the initial arrests, C02 initiated legal proceedings against Nguyen Van Dung, Pham Tien Manh, Nguyen Ngoc Tuy, Ban Van Huan, Le Dinh Quyen, Vu Duy Man, Vu Ba Dang, Nguyen Van Giang, Pham Trung Kien, Pham Van Quyet, Ta Huu Tuan, Pham Quang Duc, Pham Quang Chung, Nguyen Duc Tuyen, Tran Van Cuong, Vu Thanh Cong, and Nguyen Huu Huy. They face investigation for illegally providing or using computer network and telecommunications information, under Article 288 of the Penal Code.

C02 is continuing to expand the investigation, working to clarify the roles of all individuals involved in the case.

Online gangster "That Manh" before his arrest. *Photo: FBNV*.

Through this case, C02 issued a warning to the public, artists, and actors against arbitrarily filming, uploading, sharing, or disseminating videos and images containing negative content that promotes or incites violence, or depicts gangster behavior. Such actions, often undertaken to gain views, likes, and increased interaction for financial gain, are illegal and harmful.

This case follows a recent trend of numerous TikTokers and "online gangsters" being arrested for various offenses. Notable figures include: the couple Huan Hoa Hong, Phu Le, Hai Sapa TV, Vua Quat, Khanh Sky, Ho Van Khoa, "Te Dien," "Co giao Huong," and Pham Tuan.