Vietnam police crack down on massive illegal data‑trade network

Police in Tuyên Quang province have launched a manhunt for 22‑year‑old Lê Văn Đông, alleged to have participated in the illegal sale of more than 8.4 billion email records. The investigation, part of a broader probe into unauthorized access to computer and telecommunications networks across Vietnam, says Đông has not answered summons and is being sought through public appeals.

A related operation by Hanoi’s cyber‑crime unit uncovered a sophisticated online marketplace run by Đào Quang Huy, director of a technology‑development company. The site, taphoammo.net, functioned as a digital‑asset exchange where buyers could open shops to trade personal data, social‑media accounts, email addresses and other electronic resources. Authorities seized devices and identified over 1.35 million registered accounts, more than 46,000 shops (about 3,000 active) and roughly 53 million transactions, generating initial revenue estimated at over 400 billion VND. Three suspects have been charged with illegal use of network information, and investigators warned the public to safeguard personal data.