South Korean Fraud Ring Caught After Moving to Vietnam

Photo courtesy of VN Express

A South Korean scam ring accused of defrauding businesses of 1.2 billion won has been dismantled in Vietnam. Bac Ninh Province police announced the arrests of the group members on Tuesday, stating that investigations are currently continuing. The ring, led by Son Chan Hyun, had relocated to Vietnam to escape an intensified crackdown in Cambodia.

Get today's headlines by email

The group was initially recruited by a Chinese national named "Da Hu" while in Cambodia. As scrutiny on illegal operations increased, Son directed the move to Vietnam. Entering through Noi Bai International Airport in January, they quickly established their new base in Bac Ninh's Hap Linh Ward by February.

Operating via Telegram, Son managed the seven team members, distributing tasks and bonuses, while penalizing underperformance. The scam targeted South Korean businesses with fake diplomatic agency orders, culminating in fraud through prepayment for nonexistent supplies. Payments were made in Tether cryptocurrency, with monthly salaries ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 USDT.

Authorities estimate the syndicate's total fraud at 1.2 billion won, with 622.6 million won obtained in Vietnam alone. The sophisticated two-step scam involved convincing businesses to make urgent orders and then tricking them into making hefty deposits. Once payments were received, the criminals cut off all communication, reported VN Express.

Join the discussion?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 11 Mar 2026