The suspects are accused of helping launder nearly US$1.8m generated through online lottery and scratch-card scams.
Vietnam.- Police in Vietnam’s Lao Cai Province have arrested three individuals accused of participating in a money laundering operation linked to an online lottery fraud network. The scam allegedly defrauded victims through fake prize promotions and scratch-card schemes.
According to authorities, the suspects helped process nearly VND47.8bn (US$1.8m) in illicit funds between late April and the end of May 2026. Investigators allege that the proceeds originated from online scams targeting consumers with lottery-style games advertised through Facebook livestreams.
The scheme reportedly promised large cash prizes and jackpot winnings to participants who purchased virtual scratch cards. After informing victims that they had won, the operators allegedly demanded fees to release the prizes. Once victims were unable to continue making transfers, communication was reportedly cut off, and the funds were retained.
Police said the criminal network relied on Vietnamese bank accounts to move and disguise the money before converting it into the cryptocurrency USDT. The digital assets were then transferred to wallets allegedly controlled by the organisers of the operation.
Authorities identified the three suspects as Vuong Van Minh, Ly Trung Nguyen and Ban Thi Luu. Investigators believe Luu was recruited while staying in China and later enlisted other participants to provide bank accounts and facilitate transactions.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue efforts to identify additional individuals.
The suspects are accused of helping launder nearly US$1.8m generated through online lottery and scratch-card scams. Vietnam.- Police in Vietnam’s Lao Cai Province have arrested three individuals accused of participating in a money laundering operation linked to an online lottery fraud network. The scam allegedly defrauded victims through fake prize promotions and scratch-card schemes. According…
