Vietnamese authorities have dismantled a major cross-border fraud syndicate that defrauded over 13,000 victims, accumulating nearly VND1 trillion (approximately $40 million). The mastermind behind this sophisticated operation, Phạm Thị Huyền Trang, a 26-year-old Vietnamese national, was arrested along with dozens of accomplices in a high-stakes police operation during the Lunar New Year (Tet) period.
Svay Rieng Province – A Cross-Border Crime Hub
Svay Rieng Province, situated in southeastern Cambodia, borders Vietnam and is known for its significant economic and trade activities. The province's Bavet City is a popular entry point into Vietnam and houses several casinos and commercial establishments. However, this proximity to the border has also made Svay Rieng a key location for illegal operations, including human trafficking and cybercrime networks.
In recent years, scam syndicates operating from Svay Rieng have expanded their reach, using its strategic position to target Vietnamese nationals with elaborate online fraud schemes. The area has drawn global attention for incidents involving forced labor and scam networks, with thousands of victims coerced into working in fraudulent call centers.
A High-Stakes International Operation
The fraud ring, based primarily in Cambodia’s Svay Rieng Province, was orchestrated by Trang, who collaborated with unidentified Chinese nationals. Trang’s fluency in Chinese and her deep involvement in the syndicate’s operations were crucial to its success. She trained scammers, developed manipulative scripts, and coordinated impersonations of Vietnamese police and government officials.
The scammers lured victims by claiming they faced serious issues, such as identity theft, legal violations, or problems with school enrollments. Victims were instructed to install malicious apps disguised as government platforms. These apps granted the scammers remote access to the victims' devices, allowing them to drain bank accounts through fingerprint or facial recognition-based transaction approvals.
The fraud ring led by Phạm Thị Huyền Trang primarily targeted Vietnamese citizens. Operating from Cambodia, the scammers impersonated Vietnamese police officers and other officials to deceive individuals within Vietnam. Reports indicate that over 13,000 victims across various provinces in Vietnam were affected, with more than 300 victims in Bắc Ninh Province alone, who collectively lost over VNĐ31 billion (approximately US$1.24 million).
The Scam’s Three-Tiered Structure
Authorities uncovered a well-organized system with three operational layers, each designed to maximize deception and financial exploitation:
Initial Contact: Scammers posing as police or government officials informed victims of fake legal issues.
App Installation: Victims were persuaded to download apps that secretly gave the scammers control over their smartphones.
Financial Theft: With remote access, scammers initiated transactions, deceiving victims into unknowingly approving them.
This methodical approach enabled the syndicate to exploit fear and authority, resulting in significant financial losses for the victims.
The Arrests and Crackdown
The Bac Ninh provincial police led a coordinated effort to dismantle the network. Surveillance teams monitored suspects over several months, while police collaborated with border control and international agencies to track the movements of key members.
The decisive moment came during the Tet holiday in early 2025. Anticipating that members of the syndicate would return to Vietnam for family gatherings, authorities deployed 43 task forces across airports and border checkpoints. At Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Trang and other suspects were arrested as they attempted to re-enter the country.
So far, 42 suspects have been identified for prosecution, with 38 already in custody. Charges include fraud, money laundering, and illegal migration.
Public Advisory and Future Measures