On May 9, 2025, the Quang Ninh Province Police announced the dismantling of a sophisticated criminal group specializing in online fraud, operating under the guise of a gambling scheme known as 'cutting stone to find jade.' This operation, which had been active since August 2024, reportedly defrauded numerous victims, amassing hundreds of billions of Vietnamese dong.
The police's Criminal Investigation Department uncovered this fraudulent network through careful monitoring of online activities. They identified a group comprising 30 Vietnamese individuals collaborating with several Chinese nationals to establish an extensive online fraud scheme. The group orchestrated their operations from a rented location in Dongxing City, China, using various social media platforms to lure unsuspecting victims.
To attract potential victims, the group created enticing Fanpages with names such as 'Precious Natural Fairy,' 'Stone to Change Luck,' 'Raw Jade Stone,' 'Rich Jewelry,' and 'Lucky Stone.' They frequently organized live-streamed events where they showcased stone-cutting activities, claiming to search for valuable jade. During these live streams, they encouraged viewers to participate by purchasing betting slots, ultimately leading to the appropriation of their money.
Initial investigations revealed that the group had conducted nearly 100,000 financial transactions, with the total amount defrauded reaching staggering figures in the hundreds of billions of dong. Notably, the police identified Tran Thi Chi (born in 1989) and Vu Van Hai (born in 1995) as the key leaders of this operation. Both individuals reside in Móng Cái City, Quang Ninh Province.
According to police reports, Chi and Hai, in collaboration with their Chinese counterparts, rented a house in Dongxing City and began recruiting Vietnamese citizens to work for them. They offered enticing salaries ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 Chinese yuan per month, which translates to approximately 18 to 20 million Vietnamese dong. This recruitment strategy aimed to expand their operations and increase their fraudulent activities.
During police interrogations, Vu Van Hai disclosed that his group consisted of four members, including a Chinese individual responsible for managing and cutting the stones. Hai himself was tasked with sending phone numbers to receive customer payments and conducting live streams to attract participants. Another member of the group used a mobile phone to engage in the games, pretending to be a regular player to build trust among the audience.
Colonel Nguyen Trong Hung, head of the Quang Ninh Province Police's Criminal Investigation Department, emphasized that this case marks the first instance of cross-border online fraud where the perpetrators operated from China. He stated, "The Vietnamese defendants willingly participated in the fraud scheme without coercion, which distinguishes this case from other cross-border fraud cases."
The police have formally initiated a case against the 30 defendants for fraud and appropriation of property, with the total amount involved reaching hundreds of billions of dong. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to expand the case and apprehend additional accomplices.
In light of this incident, the Quang Ninh Province Police have issued a public warning urging citizens to remain vigilant against online gambling schemes and fraudulent activities. They emphasized the importance of being cautious, especially when confronted with promises of unusually high returns on investments. Residents, particularly those living in border areas, are advised to avoid being lured into scams that could lead to significant financial losses.
This case highlights the growing concern over online fraud and the need for increased awareness among the public regarding such schemes. As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics employed by criminals, making it crucial for individuals to stay informed and cautious.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how many more victims will come forward and whether further arrests will be made. The Quang Ninh Province Police are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and protecting citizens from similar fraudulent schemes in the future.
