CaliToday (28/11/2025): In a major victory for Vietnam’s cybersecurity forces, the Da Nang City Police have successfully dismantled a sophisticated criminal organization operating under the guise of a legitimate technology company. The raid has led to the prosecution of 63 individuals, exposing a modern trend in organized crime where high-tech facades are used to mask illegal cross-border activities.
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| The scene of the incident at the time of inspection. |
The Perfect Disguise
To the outside world, the company appeared to be a bustling IT firm, typical of Da Nang's growing reputation as a digital hub. Employees sat behind rows of monitors, ostensibly working on software development and customer support. However, investigators revealed that this corporate veneer was a meticulously crafted shell.
Instead of building apps or servicing legitimate clients, the workforce was allegedly operating and maintaining a complex network of online gambling websites specifically tailored for foreign partners.
The Raid and The Charges
Following a period of intensive surveillance and digital forensics, Da Nang police launched a coordinated crackdown.
The Scope: A total of 63 suspects have been indicted. This high number suggests an organized hierarchy involving not just ringleaders, but also technical staff, customer service agents, and administrative personnel who facilitated the illegal operations.
The Charge: The group is accused of "Organizing Gambling" and potentially "Gambling," using high-tech means to bypass local regulations and assist overseas betting syndicates.
A Dangerous Shift: "Crime Outsourcing"
This case highlights a worrying evolution in cybercrime within Southeast Asia. Criminal syndicates are increasingly treating illegal gambling operations like legitimate Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).
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| Police have prosecuted 19 people related to this ring. (Photo: Police) |
By setting up in Vietnam under the license of "software companies," these groups attempt to:
Evade Detection: Blending in with the thousands of legitimate tech workers in the city.
Serve Foreign Markets: The websites were reportedly built and managed for users outside of Vietnam, a strategy often used to complicate jurisdictional investigations.
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| The subjects admitted to working for a gambling boss named Torres in Cambodia. |
Official Response
Authorities in Da Nang have reiterated their zero-tolerance policy toward high-tech crime. A police spokesperson emphasized that while the city welcomes digital investment, it will rigorously hunt down those who abuse the open business environment for illicit activities.
"Criminals may think they can hide behind screens and corporate licenses, but our cyber-security units are equipped to uncover the truth behind the code."
The investigation is ongoing as police analyze seized electronic evidence to trace the flow of illicit funds and identify the foreign masterminds behind the operation.