Vietnam Authorities Bust Another High-Profile Illegal Gambling Ring
Vietnam’s Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Intensifies
The Vietnamese government is ramping up efforts to combat illegal gambling activities, particularly those linked to sophisticated organized criminal networks that operate internationally. Despite recent government measures allowing limited access to land-based casinos for Vietnamese citizens, illegal gambling continues to be a significant challenge.
Operation in Nha Trang Targets Online Gambling Rings
In a major police operation in the coastal city of Nha Trang, authorities successfully dismantled five online gambling rings following coordinated raids conducted late at night. The police arrested 31 suspects, including 30 Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese individual. These gambling operations were run out of various locations such as hotels, luxury apartments, and rented residences. Investigators also seized numerous laptops and mobile devices still connected to online betting platforms.
Investigations revealed that many offenders initially entered Vietnam using tourist visas before establishing illegal operations within unregistered residential properties. Authorities confiscated 40 laptops and 112 mobile phones, which were primarily used to facilitate online betting activities targeting overseas players. The identities of those arrested have not been disclosed as the inquiry is ongoing.
Illegal Gambling Fueled by Foreign Actors and Tourism
This latest incident in Nha Trang aligns with a persistent pattern where illegal gambling linked to foreign actors poses threats to both financial stability and public security. Coastal and major urban areas have become hotspots due to their appeal to tourists, advanced infrastructure, and availability of short-term rental accommodations, which these operators exploit.
Ongoing Police Efforts to Combat Gambling Networks
Illegal gambling remains a critical issue for Vietnamese authorities. In a separate case in Thai Binh Province during June, police charged 21 individuals tied to an international criminal syndicate involved in an extensive online betting and money laundering scheme. The group was reportedly connected to KUBET, an overseas gambling platform offering sports betting, online lotteries, and popular games such as “tai xiu.”
Investigations uncovered over one million user accounts and wagers exceeding one trillion Vietnamese dong (approximately $38 million). The authorities also revealed a highly sophisticated money laundering network utilizing shell bank accounts, remote access technologies, and artificial intelligence. This included the use of AI-generated deepfake videos to bypass banking security systems.
As online gambling platforms become more advanced, Vietnamese law enforcement agencies are under increasing pressure to modernize their investigative and enforcement strategies. Officials recognize that emerging technologies are reshaping both gambling and financial crimes, requiring new regulatory and policing approaches.
The Vietnamese government remains committed to tightening regulations and enforcement measures to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of its regulated gambling market.
