Two Suspects Arrested for Advertising and Producing Fake Documents on Facebook

Authorities in Vietnam's Quang Tri province have initiated legal proceedings against two men accused of operating a sophisticated online scheme to produce and sell counterfeit documents. Nguyen Huu Chi, 30, and Tran Lam Thanh Phong, 34, both from Ho Chi Minh City, were arrested and face charges related to forging seals and documents of organizations. The investigation, conducted by the Quang Tri Provincial Police's cybersecurity division, uncovered numerous Facebook accounts advertising fake academic degrees and official papers. Chi reportedly began working as a Facebook advertising collaborator in May 2024, tasked with producing fake documents based on customer orders. To evade detection, Chi utilized unofficial Facebook accounts to advertise services for diplomas, job application documents, health certificates, and character references. Customers communicated privately to discuss details, agree on prices, and provide personal information for the document forgery process. Phong and other suspects were allegedly recruited by Chi to expand the operation through advertising and brokerage. Chi admitted to investing in equipment, including computers, printers, and various materials, to facilitate the forgery of seals and documents. He also designed, edited, printed, and stamped the fake documents himself. Completed forgeries were then packaged and sent to customers via delivery services under different names to conceal the criminal activity. The group also offered complete document packages, including high school and university diplomas, for prices ranging from 200,000 to 700,000 Vietnamese dong per set. Authorities seized numerous suspected forged seals, documents, computers, printers, and materials during searches of Chi's residence. The investigation is ongoing.