Hanoi police rescue student from online kidnapping scam

Hanoi police have intervened to protect a female university student from an “online kidnapping” scam. The victim, a student from Hai Phong residing in Me Linh, Hanoi, was targeted by individuals impersonating police officers.

The scammers used psychological manipulation, accusing the student of involvement in a drug money laundering case. They threatened her with arrest and demanded she transfer 300 million VND to an account under the name Nguyen Van Hung to “verify the source of funds.”

To facilitate the theft, the perpetrators coerced the victim into isolating herself in a motel and maintaining constant contact via phone to prevent outside intervention. Local authorities successfully identified the scam, provided guidance to the victim, and ensured her safe return to her family.