Criminal Networks Dismantled for Harboring Illegal Foreigners Involved in Scams

Ho Chi Minh City police have cracked down on multiple criminal networks that harbored hundreds of foreigners staying illegally in Vietnam to carry out transnational fraud schemes. The operation, part of a high-profile 45-day campaign targeting cybercrime, has led to the arrest of 26 individuals.

Authorities discovered these groups were renting high-end apartments and hotels to house undocumented foreigners. These individuals were allegedly involved in sophisticated online scams. During a raid on a house in Hiep Binh Phuoc ward on June 17, police found 42 Chinese nationals residing illegally and seized electronic equipment suspected of being used for high-tech fraud. Nguyen Hong Thao Nhi, 34, was arrested for renting the property, setting up the network, and arranging accommodation and food for the group in exchange for illicit profits.

Further investigations revealed similar operations elsewhere. On June 8, police inspected a hotel in Binh Duong ward and found 82 foreigners, 23 of whom had no entry records. Pham Thanh Son, 26, and his accomplices allegedly modified the hotel and colluded with foreign contacts to house Chinese nationals. They reportedly instructed staff to ignore identity checks and bypass residency declarations to evade police.

Another suspect, Truong Thi Bich Tram, 22, was apprehended for renting multiple apartments between April and May 2026 under someone else's name to house illegal immigrants. The suspects confessed that they came to Vietnam to participate in online fraud rings. The police have initiated legal proceedings against Nhi, Son, Tram, and their accomplices for "Organizing for others to stay in Vietnam illegally" under Article 348 of the Penal Code.

In a significant development, the investigation also led to the capture of six foreign fugitives hiding within these networks. Since early May 2026, authorities have prosecuted eight cases involving 26 defendants, including property owners, hotel managers, and intermediaries. Police are urging businesses offering accommodation, real estate brokerage, and rental services to strictly comply with regulations regarding identity verification and residency declarations.

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The suspects admitted that they came to Vietnam to participate in online fraud rings.