Vietnamese Security Ministry Calls for Wider Probe Into 250 Billion Dong Online Scam

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security has urged Ninh Bình police to widen their investigation into an online fraud network that allegedly took more than 250 billion dong from 500 people.

Deputy Minister Nguyễn Văn Long made the request in a September 4 commendation letter praising the provincial police for dismantling the network. Police arrested 12 suspects and seized four cars, three computers and other documents and evidence.

Investigators determined that the suspects used an overseas base to establish a professional criminal organization. They allegedly impersonated law-enforcement officers, police, prosecutors and bank employees to trick people into transferring money. Authorities initially identified more than 250 billion dong in losses involving 500 victims.

The ministry described the operation as an outstanding achievement and credited the cooperation between Ninh Bình police and specialized units of the Ministry of Public Security. It said the case helped prevent further losses, maintain public order and deter high-tech and organized crime.

Long asked Ninh Bình police to continue coordinating with relevant police units and local authorities, expand the investigation and strengthen the evidence so the suspects can be handled under the law.

Ninh Bình police first announced the arrests on June 26. They said the network had operated across borders and carried out hundreds of fraud cases. Authorities identified Nguyễn Văn Cương, 28, and Nguyễn Văn Phương, 34, both from Yên Trung Commune in Bắc Ninh Province, as the alleged leaders of the network.