Chinese gamblers kidnapped over casino debts rescued in Vietnam

Authorities said Wang Xiaoci and Li Yao Zong borrowed hundreds of thousands of yuan to gamble at the Hoiana Casino in Quang Nam Province earlier this month. When they could not repay, a group of men forced them to sign debt papers, assaulted them and threatened to kill them unless their families transferred money.

On Sept. 12, a friend of one of the victims alerted police after seeing Wang being forced into a car outside the casino. Investigators from Da Nang quickly tracked a suspicious vehicle to the Hoi An D’or apartment complex, where the men were being held. Dozens of officers launched a coordinated raid, rescuing the hostages and arresting five suspects, including a 46-year-old Chinese man and four Vietnamese nationals.

Initial findings show Wang was punched so severely that he lost a molar, while Li was warned he would face interest charges of up to 20,000 yuan per day if the debt was not paid.

Police say the case highlights the dangers of cross-border gambling and loan-sharking networks operating around casinos in central Vietnam.

The suspects are now under investigation for unlawful detention, while the rescued victims are receiving medical treatment and support from authorities.