Ho Chi Minh City police arrest dozens of foreign nationals in transnational crime crackdown

Ho Chi Minh City (HCM City) Immigration Police have arrested more than 115 foreign nationals on suspicion of illegal entry, unlawful residence, and involvement in transnational cybercrime, in what authorities describe as a widening investigation into organised criminal activity operating across Southeast Asia.

The operation, which came to light on 21 May 2026, centred on an apartment building in Thuan Giao Ward, where 85 Chinese nationals were found having set up computer systems shortly after arriving in the country in early May.

Investigators say the group brought with them computers, desktop personal computers, and mobile phones, along with software described as capable of monitoring multiple devices simultaneously.

Alleged ringleaders identified

Accorrding to Vietnam News, authorities identified two alleged ringleaders as a Chinese couple, referred to by police as H.G., born in 1989, and Q.M., born in 1998. The pair are accused of organising the group's entry into Vietnam and establishing the infrastructure allegedly used for unlawful purposes.

According to investigators, H.G. had previously worked as a dormitory manager for a company operating in Cambodia before being recruited to replicate a similar operation in Vietnam.

The couple entered Vietnam through Tan Son Nhat International Airport in early May 2026. All equipment used in the alleged operation was reportedly transported overland from Cambodia.

H.G.'s alleged responsibilities included renting the Bao Ly Apartment in Thuan Giao Ward at a cost of VND315 million (US$12,100) per month, receiving arriving individuals, and overseeing the assembly of computer systems at the premises.

Illegal entry via unofficial border routes

Of the 85 Chinese nationals detained at the apartment, 17 had entered Vietnam illegally and failed to declare their presence to authorities as required under Vietnamese law.

Most were reported to originate from Guangzhou and Guangxi in China, travelling by road from Cambodia into Vietnam through unofficial crossings rather than authorised border checkpoints.

Upon arrival in HCM City, the individuals were reportedly met by managers who transported them directly to the Bao Ly Apartment. Seventeen of the 85 individuals were also found to have prior criminal records.

Second group found at Cho Lon Ward hotel

Separately, through routine temporary residence checks, police identified approximately 30 Chinese and Philippine nationals staying at a hotel in Cho Lon Ward.

During questioning, the majority stated they had previously been based in Cambodia before travelling to Vietnam, while a smaller number said they had arrived from Malaysia.

Investigators said the group had reportedly been brought to the city by five Taiwanese nationals, who are said to have admitted to previously operating transnational online fraud activities out of Cambodia.

A third incident, reported on 20 May 2026, involved 11 Chinese nationals discovered living in an apartment building on Dien Bien Phu Street. Police said the individuals were found in possession of multiple computers and internet-connected devices, raising suspicions of high-tech criminal activity.

Suspected offences and legal exposure

According to HCM City police, the alleged violations under investigation span a range of serious offences. These include organising illegal entry into Vietnam, illegal entry and exit, unlawful residence, organising illegal drug use, organising gambling, intentional injury, unlawful arrest or detention, and theft.

No formal charges have been publicly confirmed at this stage, and police indicated that investigations are continuing.

Shift from Cambodia following regional crackdown

Authorities drew a direct connection between the HCM City cases and a recent crackdown on transnational fraud networks in Cambodia, suggesting that some criminal groups may have relocated operations to neighbouring countries.

Police indicated that Vietnam, and HCM City in particular, appeared to have become a destination for networks previously based in Cambodia seeking to resume illegal operations elsewhere in the region.

Authorities said they would strengthen foreign residency management, increase inspections, and conduct regular monitoring to identify cases of illegal entry or undeclared residence. The stated aim is to prevent unlawful activity and preserve public order and safety across the city.

The investigation is ongoing, and police said they would handle the cases in accordance with Vietnamese law.