Criminal activity and fraud in Vietnam

Vietnam is experiencing a rise in diverse criminal activities, including physical burglaries and sophisticated digital fraud. In Thanh Hoa province, authorities arrested a professional burglar responsible for targeting isolated homes and stealing high-value items such as gold.

Simultaneously, cybercrime has become a significant concern. Prosecutors are pursuing a group involved in a large-scale scam operating from Cambodia that impersonated e-commerce employees to defraud customers. Authorities have also warned of social engineering tactics where scammers impersonate local officials or police to steal personal data and bank credentials.

More recently, police in Hanoi have highlighted a surge in cryptocurrency-related investment scams. Criminals are utilizing fake tokens, fraudulent websites, and the likeness of influencers to promise high returns. These schemes often involve malicious links, malware, or fraudulent QR codes designed to seize control of digital wallets, as seen in recent prosecutions in Bac Ninh province.

In response to these evolving threats, Hanoi police have intensified efforts to combat cybercrime. During a recent conference led by Lieutenant General Nguyen Thanh Tung, officials noted that criminals are increasingly professionalizing their methods, using social media and messaging apps to coordinate drug trafficking, fraudulent investments, and the sale of counterfeit goods. To address these risks among younger populations, local police in Duong Noi Ward conducted legal awareness sessions for students at Phenikaa University. The initiative promoted a ‘3 No’ principle: no participation in negative groups or public disturbances, no use of drugs or e-cigarettes, and no lending bank accounts or participating in online gambling.