Hanoi police have dismantled a cross-border fraud operation targeting Japanese citizens, arresting seven foreign nationals accused of impersonating Japanese law enforcement officials. The group, operating from luxury apartments in the Vietnamese capital, allegedly swindled victims out of approximately 11 billion Vietnamese Dong (roughly $440,000 USD).
The operation, which began in August 2025, involved suspects posing as police officers, prosecutors, and court officials when contacting residents of Japan, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Hanoi Police Department. Victims were falsely informed that their personal documents had been found in connection with alleged criminal activity. They were then pressured into transferring cryptocurrency – specifically Ethereum (ETH) – under the guise of assisting with an investigation.
Authorities identified Z.H., a Chinese national, as the alleged ringleader of the scheme. The other suspects include three additional Chinese nationals and four Japanese citizens. Raids were conducted simultaneously at four locations, including apartments within the Ciputra Urban Area and a unit in the Mipec Apartment Building on Xuan Thuy Street.
During the operation, police seized 65 mobile phones, 19 tablets, three laptops, 12 walkie-talkies, and four Japanese police uniforms, according to reports. A quantity of Vietnamese Dong was as well recovered.
This bust follows a similar case in Hanoi in January, where another Chinese-led transnational cyber fraud ring, utilizing South Korean nationals, targeted citizens in South Korea. The increasing use of Southeast Asian cities as operational hubs for international cybercrime networks, utilizing encrypted communications and cryptocurrency payments, has become a growing concern for regional authorities.
The Hanoi Police Department’s Immigration Management Division is continuing its investigation, and the suspects are currently being held for questioning. No further details regarding potential extradition proceedings or charges have been released.
