Police in Nghe An Province have arrested two key suspects behind a human trafficking ring that lured Vietnamese citizens with promises of overseas employment, only to sell them to international scam syndicates operating in Myanmar’s notorious Golden Triangle.

On April 11, the Investigation Police Agency of Nghe An announced the prosecution of Le Van Ha (born 1999, residing in Anh Son District, Nghe An) and Bui Thi Thao (born 1994, residing in Ho Chi Minh City) on charges of human trafficking.

Investigators revealed that Ha and Thao promised victims jobs in Thailand, working on computers with salaries of around USD 800 per month (approximately VND 20 million). In reality, they transported the victims to Myanmar, where they were sold to international fraud rings based in the lawless Golden Triangle region.

Once in Myanmar’s autonomous zones, the victims were forced to sign contracts and had their passports confiscated. Each person was given a computer, two phones, and a stack of A4 papers detailing methods to lure and scam customers online.

Victims were required to work from 12 to 17 hours per day under constant surveillance. Those who refused to comply were beaten.

After a period of investigation, on April 1, the Criminal Police Division, in coordination with other departments, apprehended Le Van Ha as he re-entered Vietnam through Moc Bai International Border Gate in Tay Ninh Province.

At the same time, another police unit arrested Bui Thi Thao, who had been hiding in an apartment complex in Thuan An City, Binh Duong Province.

During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their crimes.

Authorities continue to investigate and expand the case.

Thien Luong