Police identify YouTuber Pham Tuan as ringleader in violent content scheme

Hanoi police have identified YouTuber Pham Tuan as the leader of a criminal ring that produced and distributed violent online content, primarily targeting school children and gang-related themes to attract views and illicit profits. Tuan, 25, who claims to be a protégé of the imprisoned online figure Ngo Ba Kha, also known as Kha "Banh," managed the YouTube channel "Pham Tuan ENTERTAINMENT," which boasts over one million subscribers.

The group created and uploaded numerous videos and short films, often depicting school violence, the use of makeshift weapons, and firearms to resolve conflicts. One notable video, "The End 3 - The Reveal," released on June 16, 2020, lasted over 21 minutes. It featured scenes of students fighting and extortion within a school setting, using footage from Nguyen Van Cu High School in Bac Ninh province. The video, titled "A School Prone to Violence," was criticized for severely damaging the school's reputation and negatively influencing young people.

This particular video garnered over 2.7 million views and thousands of comments. The total illicit profit obtained by the group from distributing such harmful content on their YouTube channel is estimated to exceed 500 million Vietnamese dong (approximately $20,000 USD). Authorities also noted that Pham Tuan was preparing to produce a video titled "Come Back" to celebrate Kha "Banh's" potential release from prison, further glorifying the "online gangster" figure.

Pham Tuan and nine accomplices have been charged with illegally disseminating information online. Police are expanding their investigation into the case, citing serious violations of cybersecurity and film laws. The group's actions are deemed to have negatively impacted public order, infringed upon the reputation of organizations, and promoted deviant lifestyles among youth.