QUANG TRI, VIETNAM — A massive cross-border fraud syndicate operating out of Cambodia, which preyed on vulnerable citizens by posing as legal professionals, has been dismantled by Vietnamese authorities. The ring is accused of appropriating an estimated 1,000 billion VND (approximately $42 million USD).
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| Nguyen Tien Thiet - suspected of being the ringleader of a fraud ring based in Cambodia that specialized in impersonating lawyers and law firms to swindle hundreds of people out of up to 1,000 billion VND - Photo: T.G. |
On December 17, the Criminal Police Department of Quang Tri Province announced the successful conclusion of a major specialized project targeting this high-tech crime ring.
The Modus Operandi: Preying on the Desperate
Unlike typical scammers who cast a wide net, this group employed a particularly predatory tactic known as "recovery fraud."
According to investigators, the group established operations in Cambodia to evade Vietnamese law enforcement. They specifically targeted individuals who had already been victims of online scams and were desperate to recover their lost assets.
The Disguise: Members of the ring impersonated lawyers and representatives of reputable law firms.
The Bait: They contacted victims, claiming to have the ability to recover swindled money.
The Trap: Once they gained the victim's trust, they demanded a "recovery fee" be transferred to specific bank accounts. After the fee was paid, the scammers vanished, leaving the victims devastated by a second financial loss.
The Takedown: A High-Stakes Pursuit
Following numerous reports from victims, Quang Tri Police coordinated a massive operation involving the Ministry of Public Security’s professional units, as well as police forces from Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, and An Giang, and the Moc Bai International Border Guard.
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| The group of suspects in the Cambodian fraud ring have just been arrested - Photo: T.G. |
Five separate task forces were deployed to ambush the suspects as they re-entered Vietnam. The operation climaxed in a dramatic pursuit:
Several suspects attempted to flee by hiring cars to race toward Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, intending to escape by air.
Police units successfully coordinated with local authorities to intercept the vehicles, arresting the suspects before they could board their flights.
The Suspects
Police identified Nguyen Tien Thiet (alias Hai), 33, from Nghe An province, as the ringleader.
A total of 14 individuals were arrested in the sweep, hailing from various provinces, indicating a wide recruitment network:
From Nghe An: Nguyen Tien Thiet (Leader), Nguyen Duy To, Nguyen Thi Hai, Ho Sy Truong.
From Quang Tri: Tran Thuy Trang.
From Dong Thap: Phan Thanh Ngoc, Hoang Linh.
From Lam Dong: Truong Thi Hanh.
From Dak Lak: Tran Van Huy.
From An Giang: Nguyen Thi Huynh Nhu, Nguyen Long Phu, Nguyen Thi Tu Anh, Vo Trung Thien.
From Tay Ninh: Le Van Bao, Bui Thi Oanh.
From Ha Tinh: Mai Thi Tien.
Note: Suspect Nguyen Thi Tu Anh was granted bail and banned from leaving her residence as she is currently raising a child under 36 months old.
The Aftermath
Authorities estimate the gang has scammed hundreds of victims across Vietnam. While the total appropriated amount is estimated at nearly 1,000 billion VND, police have so far recovered approximately 300 million VND in cash during the initial arrests.
The investigation is ongoing. The police are expanding the case to track down remaining accomplices and have issued a public call for suspects currently hiding in Cambodia to return to Vietnam and surrender for leniency.