HO CHI MINH CITY – In one of the most significant crackdowns on organized crime this year, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department has successfully dismantled a massive transnational online gambling ring, which handled an estimated transaction volume of over 20 trillion VND (approximately $785 million USD). Numerous key figures involved in the sophisticated operation have been arrested.
The successful bust follows a months-long, intelligence-led investigation into the syndicate's complex web of operations. Authorities reported that the ring operated a highly organized and technologically advanced network of websites and mobile applications. These platforms illegally facilitated a wide range of gambling activities, including sports betting on international football matches, online casinos with live dealers, virtual card games, and illegal lotteries, attracting thousands of players across Vietnam.
The scale of the operation is staggering, marking it as one of the largest illegal gambling networks ever uncovered in the country. The 20 trillion VND figure represents the total value of wagers processed through the system, highlighting the immense amount of money being laundered and the significant social and economic harm caused.
According to a preliminary statement from the Ho Chi Minh City Police, coordinated raids were carried out simultaneously at multiple locations throughout the city and in several neighboring provinces. The raids targeted the homes of key suspects and the technical hubs used to operate the illegal network.
"This operation is a testament to our firm commitment to combating cybercrime and eradicating social evils that threaten public order and security," said a representative from the department. "These criminal networks not only cause financial ruin for countless families but are also intrinsically linked to other illicit activities such as loan sharking, money laundering, and theft."
During the raids, authorities seized a substantial amount of evidence, including a network of computer servers, dozens of laptops and mobile phones, numerous bank cards linked to shell accounts, and large sums of cash. The suspects in custody are believed to include the ring's masterminds, key technical operators responsible for maintaining the websites, and individuals in charge of financial transactions and money laundering.
Investigators are now working to trace the flow of illicit funds, which were reportedly funneled through a complex series of bank accounts and potentially cryptocurrency exchanges to avoid detection. The investigation is ongoing as police continue to identify and pursue other individuals connected to this vast criminal enterprise.
The arrested suspects will face charges of "Organizing gambling" and potentially "Money laundering," which carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, under Vietnamese law. The successful crackdown sends a powerful message to criminal organizations that law enforcement is intensifying its efforts to police the nation's cyberspace.
