Following directives from top officials, the joint task force targeted a criminal ring led by Mai Anh Viet (born 1981, residing in Dong Da District, Hanoi), who exploited the capital of Laos - Vientiane - as a base to operate an online gambling network involving football betting, baccarat, and dice games.

According to the Criminal Police Department, Viet and several Vietnamese nationals used computers and mobile devices to manage and operate online gambling websites. They recruited and guided users, provided tech support, and promoted the illicit services to lure thousands of gamblers.

Authorities seized 35 mobile phones, 12 desktop computers, and 25 laptops. In total, 29 Vietnamese suspects and all related evidence were handed over to the Criminal Police Department for processing in accordance with the law. Alarmingly, one of the suspects was only 15 years old.

In addition, police forces in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Ninh Thuan, Dong Nai, and Phu Yen simultaneously executed searches and summonses for 10 more individuals involved in organizing or participating in gambling activities. Seized in Vietnam were 10 smartphones, a desktop computer, and equipment used for livestreaming and promoting gambling.

Initial investigations show that within the first five months of 2025 alone, the group facilitated gambling for thousands of users, with the total money flow nearing 50 million USD (approx. 1.3 trillion VND). Core members of the ring reportedly pocketed profits ranging from hundreds of millions to several billion dong.

So far, authorities have prosecuted 31 individuals: 27 for organizing gambling and 4 for gambling. Legal preventive measures have been applied to all suspects in line with Vietnamese law.

The Ministry of Public Security is continuing its interrogation and investigation, aiming to collect further evidence, identify additional accomplices, and ensure all parties involved are prosecuted to the fullest extent under the law.

Dinh Hieu