Approximately 2,500 denunciations and VND 2.6 trillion appropriated in vacation contract scams

Major General Nguyen Quoc Toan stated that the MPS leadership has issued strict directives on this matter, with a resolute spirit to fully verify and dismantle the entire criminal network, while maximizing the recovery of misappropriated funds for the victims.

Recently, the Hanoi City Police Department and the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department alone have received approximately 2,500 petitions and denunciations related to vacation contracts. The investigation agencies of both municipal police departments have initiated legal proceedings in 40 cases, prosecuting 525 defendants for the crime of "Fraudulent appropriation of property." Among them, two defendants face dual charges of "Fraudulent appropriation of property" and "Money laundering." Initial assessments indicate that the total amount of appropriated assets is approximately VND 2.6 trillion.

Regarding their operating methods, the suspects established businesses functioning under the guise of capital contributions and business investments. This is a form of "hidden front" operation, focusing heavily on the tourism, resort, healthcare, and medical sectors.

To carry out their scams, the suspects primarily focused on financially well-off individuals, middle-aged and elderly people, and those seeking travel and healthcare services. Regarding their execution tactics, they fundamentally deployed psychological manipulation to perpetrate their fraudulent acts.

Major General Nguyen Quoc Toan added that the Police Investigation Agencies of the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Police Departments are currently focusing heavily on investigating these cases, continuing their verification efforts to recover the assets.