According to the Luang Namtha Provincial Police Command, the operation was carried out on June 30 by provincial police in coordination with the Boten Special Economic Zone Police Command. Officers raided the 10th floor of the International Trade Center building, where the group was allegedly operating an organized online scam network.
Authorities detained 135 suspects, including 62 women, comprising 21 Lao nationals, 22 Thai nationals, 82 Vietnamese nationals, eight Chinese nationals, and two Cambodian nationals.
Police seized equipment believed to have been used in the operation, including 182 computer monitors, 1,902 mobile phones, office furniture, eight safes, and cash in multiple currencies.
The initial search recovered more than 67.8 million kip, 55,047 Chinese yuan, 1,140 Thai baht, US$707, and 1.964 million Vietnamese dong.
A subsequent search conducted at the Provincial Police Command headquarters in the presence of prosecutors, court officials, and other relevant authorities uncovered additional cash, including more than 416.3 million kip, 135,181 Chinese yuan, US$20,950, 27,610 Thai baht, 20.901 million Vietnamese dong, 3,000 Philippine pesos, 170 Hong Kong dollars, 62,300 Cambodian riel, 100 New Taiwan dollars, and 18,000 Japanese yen.
Preliminary investigations indicate the group operated a sophisticated fraud network with clearly defined roles. Investigators said the suspects allegedly created fake social media accounts, promoted fraudulent high-return investment schemes, directed victims to fake cryptocurrency trading platforms, deceived individuals into paying fictitious customs fees for valuable shipments, and operated fraudulent online gambling websites and mobile applications targeting victims both in Laos and abroad.
The Luang Namtha Provincial Police Command said investigators are continuing to expand the investigation, identify the specific roles of individual suspects, and pursue legal action in accordance with Lao law. Authorities are also coordinating with the relevant foreign governments regarding legal procedures involving the foreign nationals detained in the operation.