Lavish villa of a scam syndicate ringleader

The recent dismantling of a transnational scam ring by Nghe An police has shocked the public. Nearly 100 suspects were arrested, with total damages estimated at around $78 million, affecting thousands of victims across Vietnam.

One image drew particular attention: a luxurious European-style villa in Bac Ninh province, believed to belong to one of the ring leaders. Located in the rural commune of Song Giang, Gia Binh district, the estate features a basement, garden layout, and copper-clad gates and fences. Locals knew the owner as wealthy but were unaware of his criminal activities.

A 26-year-old woman scams 13,000 people

In late January 2025, Bac Ninh police dismantled another fraud ring operating from Cambodia and run by Vietnamese nationals. The group scammed over 13,000 victims, stealing nearly $39 million.

Pham Thi Huyen Trang, 26, from Hai Phong, was identified as a senior manager in the ring. She was responsible for designing scam scripts and training operatives. A graduate fluent in Chinese, she earned up to $7,800 a month.

Trang frequently posted photos of a luxurious lifestyle - designer goods, upscale restaurants, and high-end travel - presenting herself as a successful young entrepreneur. In reality, she orchestrated complex scams that devastated thousands financially.

Mr. Pips: Glamour and deception

In December 2024, authorities charged Phó Duc Nam (30, from Ba Ria - Vung Tau), Le Khac Ngo (34, from Hanoi), and 24 others with fraud, failure to report crimes, and money laundering.

Investigators revealed that Nam and Ngo set up a fraudulent network posing as stockbrokers, financial consultants, and telemarketing firms. They lured victims with promises of investment in high-profile international stocks like Facebook and Apple.

Nam, known online as “Mr. Pips,” maintained a glamorous social media presence, showcasing a lifestyle filled with supercars and luxury. Police seized vast assets, including $12.3 million in bank accounts, $7.8 million in savings, 246 kg of gold bars, 31 luxury vehicles, 59 high-end watches valued at about $11.7 million, and 125 real estate properties now frozen.

Nam even flaunted a fleet of luxury cars outside the Hanoi Opera House, promoting a façade of millionaire success. His allure persuaded many to invest in platforms such as GTMX, LONDONEX, and TRUST, which turned out to be elaborate scams.