Two suspects (marked with an X) are escorted to the airport before being handed over to the RoK authorities. — Photo congan.com.vn

HÀ NỘI — Police have handed over two South Korean nationals wanted on international arrest notices to authorities in the Republic of Korea (RoK), following their arrest in northern Việt Nam on suspicion of illegal entry and fraud-related offences.

The two suspects, identified as Choi Wonsuk and Lee Yiseul, were transferred on the evening of April 7 at the Nội Bài International Airport, after being detained days earlier in the northern province of Bắc Ninh.

Both were subject to Red Notices issued by Interpol at the request of RoK authorities.

Choi is accused of operating an illegal online betting platform offering wagers on horse races in the RoK and Japan. Investigators allege that between February and November 2024, at least 277 users transferred more than 5.9 billion won (US$4 million) into accounts linked to the scheme.

RoK's Suwon District Court issued a warrant for his arrest in May 2025, with an Interpol Red Notice following in September of the same year.

Lee, meanwhile, is alleged to have been part of a telephone scam ring that impersonated public officials, including prosecutors and postal workers, to defraud victims. Authorities say the group obtained around 689 million won ($466,000) in less than two weeks in March and April 2025.

An arrest warrant for Lee was issued by the RoK's Uijeongbu District Court in August 2025, with an Interpol notice issued shortly after.

The pair came to the attention of Bắc Ninh's Provincial Police during routine administrative checks in early March. Officers found they were carrying passports but lacked valid visas, raising suspicions they had entered Việt Nam illegally.

After further verification, police arrested the two on April 6 in Võ Cường Ward, where they had been hiding. Investigators said both admitted to entering Việt Nam unlawfully and moving between locations to avoid detection.

Vietnamese authorities imposed administrative penalties for illegal border crossing before coordinating with RoK counterparts on the transfer.

The suspects were flown back to the RoK overnight and are expected to face prosecution under Korean law. — VNS