Vietnamese police have dismantled a VND 720 billion ($28 million) gambling operation run by two Chinese nationals inside a hotel in Lao Cai Province. A total of 97 suspects, including 69 Chinese nationals, were arrested.

On March 7, the Ministry of Public Security confirmed that Lao Cai provincial police, in collaboration with the Criminal Police Department, successfully raided a large-scale cross-border gambling operation.

The gambling den was located on the second floor of Royal Lao Cai Hotel, at the Khai Hoang Bridge and Poker Sports Club in Duyen Hai Ward, Lao Cai City. The operation was allegedly led by Khuong Loi and Luu Kien Co, both Chinese nationals.

During the March 6 raid, law enforcement officers stormed the hotel and arrested 97 individuals, including 69 Chinese gamblers. The casino offered high-stakes gambling games, including Niu Niu and San Cung (Three Card Poker).

The gambling den used chips that could be exchanged for Chinese yuan. Players wagered large sums, and winners could cash out their chips for real money.

During the raid, authorities confiscated:

Gambling assets worth VND 720 billion ($28 million) in cash and chips

50 decks of playing cards

30 desktop computers and 12 monitors

90 mobile phones

Other electronic equipment used to facilitate gambling

The police are currently conducting further investigations to identify additional suspects and collaborators. Legal proceedings are ongoing.

Anh Tam