Vietnam arrests 56 in international Bitcoin fraud ring

Additionally, with support from the Philippine police and the security forces at Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai International Airports, the police detained 26 more suspects as they attempted to enter Vietnam.

The criminal network orchestrated scams involving Bitcoin (BTC) investments through the UniSat app and fraudulent TikTok-related tasks. Operating across multiple countries, the scheme inflicted significant financial losses on numerous victims.

According to investigators, between late 2023 and early 2024, several Vietnamese citizens traveled to the Philippines to work for a scam organization led by Chinese nationals based in Manila. The group operated professional fraud offices, structured with managers, team leaders, employees, and technical support units. To evade law enforcement forces, they frequently changed locations and residences.

To lure victims, the scammers created fake Facebook accounts, posing as wealthy entrepreneurs and showcasing lavish lifestyles to build trust. They then persuaded victims to download the UniSat app and invest in Bitcoin, with a minimum investment of VND8 million ($314), promising high returns in a short period.

Initially, victims were allowed to withdraw both their principal and profits, reinforcing trust. However, once larger investments were made, the scammers fabricated excuses such as system errors, taxes, and insurance fees to demand additional payments. Eventually, they blocked communications and seized all funds.

The fraud ring was meticulously organized, assigning roles for creating fake profiles, managing deceptive interactions, and handling financial transactions. New recruits received scripted instructions on how to manipulate victims. Using these methods, the organization defrauded thousands of Vietnamese victims, appropriating hundreds of billions of dong. (VND1 billion = US$39,300)

Nguyen The Anh, from the northern province of Yen Bai, who joined the organization in the Philippines in April 2023, was identified among the ring's leaders. Other key members include Nguyen Van Dong and Nguyen Quang Phuong from the northern Bac Giang Province, both of whom posed as "successful entrepreneurs" on Facebook to deceive victims.

Ha Tinh's police have launched legal proceedings against 50 individuals with "fraudulent appropriation of property" in connection to Bitcoin investment scams and fraudulent TikTok tasks.

The case is under further investigation.