Da Nang police busts international online fraud network

According to the police, the group has since August 2024 defrauded approximately VND1,800 billion (about US$76 million) from 800 Vietnamese victims, with around US$210,000 scammed from victims in Da Nang.

The Da Nang Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Agency has charged six individuals with “fraudulent appropriation of property” and “money laundering.”

The mastermind, Zhangmao, 43, was identified along with five Vietnamese accomplices hailing from Thai Nguyen province, Thanh Hoa province, Hue city, Thai Binh province, and Ho Chi Minh city.

Initial investigations revealed the criminal network operated under the guise of DH889 Company, located in the Golden Sand 2 area of Cambodia. The organization led by Chinese nationals employs several Vietnamese workers.

The group’s methods involved using apps (mobile software) for investment consultation, matchmaking, or social media platforms to deceive victims into transferring money or stealing personal information.

In addition to laundering money for their own organization, DH889 also laundered funds for other fraudulent entities in the Golden Sand 2 area.

The Vietnamese employees participated in illegal activities in Cambodia, fearing legal consequences upon returning to Vietnam. To avoid exposure, they used aliases and concealed their identities, even from their colleagues.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and prosecute additional individuals involved in the operation.