Vietnam Busts Illegal Gambling Rings Worth $75M

Vietnamese authorities have broken up several large-scale gambling and football betting networks in coordinated operations across Ninh Binh, Can Tho and Da Nang, uncovering illegal betting activities worth an estimated VND2 trillion (around US$75 million). The investigations, announced after raids carried out in late June and early July, resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of electronic devices and betting records.

Can Tho Investigation Uncovers VND1 Trillion Operation

Police in Can Tho reported dismantling a gambling syndicate that organized both lottery and football betting. Investigators estimate the network processed more than VND1 trillion (US$37.6 million) in wagers before it was shut down.

Acting under instructions from the city’s police leadership, officers simultaneously searched eight locations and questioned 26 individuals. Authorities confiscated 45 mobile phones, tablets, computer equipment and various documents believed to be linked to the operation.

Following the raids, 13 suspects were placed in temporary detention on allegations of organizing and participating in illegal gambling, while investigators continue identifying others connected to the case.

Ninh Binh Police Target Football Betting Network

A separate investigation led by Ninh Binh Provincial Police, with support from the Ministry of Public Security, dismantled an online football betting organization allegedly managed by Nguyen Van Hao and Pham Xuan Thuy, both from Thai Nguyen Province.

According to investigators, the group controlled a Super Master betting account that was divided into multiple lower-level accounts and distributed to gamblers across several provinces.

Authorities estimate the operation handled betting transactions exceeding VND900 billion (US$33.8 million). Activity intensified during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with around VND350 billion (US$13.2 million) wagered between June 12 and the time the network was dismantled.

Police have temporarily detained six individuals, while the investigation remains ongoing.

Da Nang Raids Disrupt World Cup Betting Operation

In Da Nang, police dismantled another online football betting network linked to the ongoing World Cup tournament.

Investigators said Tran Trung Viet allegedly managed a Master betting account, which was divided into four Agent accounts handled by several associates. Those accounts were later split into 16 smaller betting accounts used by individual gamblers.

Authorities estimate betting activity reached VND20 billion (approximately US$752,000) between June 1 and July 2.

Police deployed eight search teams during coordinated raids, seizing thousands of pages of documents, electronic data and other evidence.

Tran Trung Viet has been temporarily detained on suspicion of organizing illegal gambling, while several others remain under investigation. One suspect is still being sought as inquiries continue.

The latest operations reflect Vietnam's continued efforts to disrupt illegal gambling organizations, particularly those taking advantage of major international sporting events to attract bettors.