Suspects Linked to $152M Illegal Gambling Ring Face Trial in Vietnam

Trial Begins for Large-Scale Gambling and Money Laundering Operation

The Hanoi People’s Court has initiated the trial against 58 individuals accused of participating in a vast illegal gambling network. Authorities estimate that this network processed around $151.82 million through various online platforms.

Charges and Network Leadership

The defendants face accusations including money laundering and unauthorized online gambling. The network’s leader, a 45-year-old national, is charged with overseeing the entire operation.

Police Raids and Arrests

Following extensive investigations, raids were conducted on May 18, 2025, resulting in the apprehension of several key figures involved in managing unlicensed gambling websites such as CR88, AZBet88, and Bong X9.

Operation Details and Timeline

The illegal gambling ring operated from multiple sites across Laos, running from January 2023 until May 2025. The police crackdown successfully dismantled the network and arrested primary suspects, revealing that the total amount wagered through this scheme exceeded $151 million.

Money Laundering Tactics

The group concealed the origins of their funds using sophisticated accounting methods, channeling proceeds into personal bank accounts. Authorities estimate at least $760,000 was laundered via these tactics.

Recruitment and Marketing Strategies

To support their operation, the network employed various marketing approaches to attract both employees and bettors. This included offering a live streaming service, obtaining credit from international operators, and redistributing these credits to interested gamblers.

Support Team and Trial Duration

A dedicated 14-person customer support team managed account setups, deposits, withdrawals, and password resets primarily through the Telegram messaging app. The team was overseen from Hanoi. The court expects the trial to continue over three days.