$2.7-billion gambling ring busted in Hà Nội

May 29, 2020 - 17:15
Hà Nội police have busted a massive online gambling ring with revenues of up to VNĐ64 trillion (US$2.7 billion).

 

Police inspect the 'headquarters' of the gambling ring. — Photo tienphong.vn

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội police have busted a massive online gambling ring with revenues of up to VNĐ64 trillion (US$2.7 billion).

The police said on Thursday that Trương Ngọc Tú, 37, and 15 other gamblers were arrested.

The players used an online site called “Nổ hũ” – roughly translated as 'break the jar' in English – which is wildly popular in Việt Nam, with a public fixated by gambling using smartphones or desktop computers.

They buy credit through agents, bet and exchange points for cash.

Their online activities are carefully concealed with strict privacy measures.

In the raid on May 22, the police also seized 34 smartphones, 23 ATM cards, five laptops and hundreds of sim cards.

There are reportedly millions of gambling accounts on the site.

According to police, the ring started in 2018.

The case is being investigated further. — VNS

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