Nguyễn Ngọc Phúc, Nguyễn Tiến Long and Hoàng Minh Châu (left to right) were arrested for organised gambling. — Photo baomoi.com

HÀ NỘI — Police in Hà Nội on Wednesday declared they had busted an illegal poker gambling ring.

Police arrested three people including Nguyễn Ngọc Phúc, 36, chairman of the Capital & Pik Bridge & Poker Club based on Tăng Bạt Hổ Street in Hai Bà Trưng District; Hoàng Minh Châu, 37, deputy chairman of the club; and Nguyễn Tiến Long, 37, also deputy chairman of the club.

They also temporarily detained 24 gamblers for investigation.

The police confiscated more than VNĐ286 million (US$12,400), eight sets of computers, 40 mobile phones, six poker sets and other evidence.

Police said it was a large-scale ring and took advantage of the Vietnam Bridge and Poker Association’s regulations about practice, competition and awards to gamble.

In December 2017, Châu, Phúc and Long asked local authorities for permission to found the Capital & Pik Bridge & Poker Club. When the club started operating, they organised regular tournaments, each one lasting for a day and the winner claiming a prize based on the club’s regulations. The Vietnam Bridge and Poker Association recognised the competition and award.

However, they expanded the operation to make more profit, and each took a 10.7 per cent cut. — VNS