Vietnam, Laos Cooperate to Bust Transnational Online Fraud Ring; 91 Arrested in Bokeo

Public security forces of Vietnam and Laos have cooperated to bust a transnational criminal ring operating in cyberspace in the Lao northern province of Bokeo, using computer networks, telecommunications networks and electronic devices to illegally appropriate property. Previously, through professional operations, the public security department of Vietnam’s northwestern province of Lao Cai detected a criminal ring that created Facebook accounts to make friends with people via social media before luring them into performing tasks such as placing orders in exchange for commissions through fake e-commerce websites, thereby appropriating their assets. Determining that this was a large-scale fraud ring operating across national borders, the head of the department ordered the establishment of a specialised investigation team and the mobilisation of forces to dismantle the ring. The case was also reported to leaders of the Ministry of Public Security to exchange information and coordinate with the General Department of Police under the Lao Ministry of Public Security. On September 12, 2026, the specialised investigation team, in coordination with the Lao General Department of Police, conducted a raid and arrested 91 members of the criminal organisation. They grouped 64 Vietnamese citizens and 27 foreign nationals, among them the ringleader and key members of the criminal ring. The forces also seized all 65 computers and 192 mobile phones of various types. The 64 Vietnamese suspects and related exhibits were handed over to the Vietnamese side. Initial investigations have determined that from early 2026 until their arrest, members of the criminal ring defrauded thousands of Vietnamese victims of more than 1.5 trillion VND (about 57 million USD). Lao Cai police are continuing to expand the investigation, clarify the case and consolidate evidence to initiate legal proceedings and strictly handle the suspects in accordance with the law. This incident highlights the growing issue of cybercrime within Laos and the importance of bilateral cooperation in combating it. Laos, sharing borders with Vietnam and China, is particularly susceptible to cross-border criminal activities. While the one-party state government prioritizes economic development and foreign investment, strengthening domestic security, especially in cyberspace, remains a pressing challenge. This bust is seen as part of those ongoing efforts.