Vietnamese Man Jailed for Trafficking Scam Victims

Photo courtesy of VN Express

In a disturbing development, police in central Vietnam have apprehended a man linked to a human trafficking ring that lured 16 individuals into Laos under false pretences, only to force them into phone scam operations.

Nghe An provincial police have detained 27-year-old Ly Van Sang, who is being investigated for human trafficking offences under the Penal Code. The arrest follows a meticulous investigation into the plight of victims who were deceived with promises of lucrative jobs abroad.

The grim saga began when Sang, having previously worked in the notorious Golden Triangle Special Zone—a semi-autonomous region known for its nefarious criminal activities—returned to his hometown in Nghe An. Here, he collaborated with a transnational criminal organisation to entice locals with offers of high wages and benefits purportedly available in Laos.

Sang assured residents that they could secure positions with monthly salaries of VND17 million (approximately 22,000 Thai Baht), inclusive of free meals, accommodation, and travel expenses. Enticed by these offers, 16 individuals from the communes of Cam Phuc and Con Cuong were convinced to travel to Laos.

Upon arrival, the reality was starkly different. The victims found themselves trapped in the Golden Triangle, sold to scam syndicates that forced them into gruelling work. They were coerced into impersonating Vietnamese officials in phone scams targeting their compatriots back home.

The working conditions were harsh, with victims subjected to up to 17 hours of labour daily. Failure to achieve set targets in fraudulent calls resulted in severe physical abuse, including beatings and electrocution. Some victims managed to contact their families, who then alerted local authorities, sparking the investigation that led to Sang’s capture in Da Nang City.

Despite the arrest, police have not disclosed the amount Sang received for each trafficked victim. The investigation continues as authorities seek to dismantle the criminal network behind these abuses.

This case highlights the pervasive dangers of human trafficking and exploitation, serving as a stark reminder of the treacherous tactics employed by organised crime. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that increased awareness will help prevent further tragic scenarios and protect vulnerable communities from such exploitation.

This incident underscores the necessity for vigilance and cooperation between nations in combatting human trafficking, a global challenge that endangers lives and undermines social stability.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-08-19