Vietnam police warn against informal savings schemes and step up crackdowns on fraud and illegal activities

Hanoi police have issued a public warning about participation in informal savings groups known as “hụi, họ, biêu, phường.” Recent collapses of such schemes have caused substantial financial losses and disputes for families. Authorities advise people to avoid large, unguaranteed deposits, to document all transactions, and to report any signs of fraud to the police.

Across Vietnam, law‑enforcement agencies have taken action against a range of criminal activities. They have charged individuals for operating fake bird‑nest companies, for producing and selling counterfeit jewelry and smuggling gold from Cambodia, and for transporting nearly 2 tonnes of unidentified animal bones. Scammers have also used the upcoming World Cup 2026 to lure victims with false modelling offers. A police officer was seriously injured while confronting drug‑related suspects, and teenage groups were fined for traffic violations. Additionally, officials are investigating a case of pork infected with African swine fever being sold in the market.