Laos Police Arrest 135 Suspects in Cross-Border Online Scam Crackdown

Laos police have dismantled an alleged online scam network in the Boten Special Economic Zone, arresting 135 suspects and seizing thousands of electronic devices and large amounts of cash.

According to the Luang Namtha Provincial Police Command, the operation was carried out on June 30 in cooperation with the Boten Special Economic Zone Police Command. Officers raided the 10th floor of the International Trade Center building, where the group was allegedly operating.

Among those detained were 82 Vietnamese nationals, 22 Thai nationals, 21 Lao nationals, eight Chinese nationals, and two Cambodian nationals.

Police seized 182 computer monitors, 1,902 mobile phones, eight safes, office equipment, and cash in multiple currencies.

Preliminary investigations found that the group allegedly operated various online scams, including fake investment schemes, fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms, fake customs fee scams, and illegal online gambling websites targeting victims in Laos and abroad.

Authorities said the suspects had clear roles within the organization, using fake social media accounts and high-return investment promises to lure victims.

The investigation is ongoing, with police working to identify individual roles and coordinate with foreign authorities regarding legal procedures for the detained foreign nationals.