Hanoi, 11 Nov 2026 – Vietnam’s Criminal Police Department (C02 department) has uncovered an illegal sports betting operation allegedly involving match-fixing in domestic football and basketball competitions. Authorities announced on November 11 that 21 suspects had been charged with gambling offences following an investigation into a network accused of manipulating matches in the National First Division, National Cup and Vietnam Basketball Association (VBA).
According to the Ministry of Public Security, the alleged operation was led by Vu Chi Cong, also known as Vu Chi Konh, a 28-year-old Ukrainian national residing in Ho Chi Minh City. Investigators believe the group used several online betting platforms hosted on overseas servers to place large wagers on sporting events. The network reportedly operated across Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen and other localities, with suspected activities extending beyond international football betting to attempts to influence results in Vietnamese domestic competitions.
The investigation, conducted under the codename Operation 096B, led to coordinated police operations on August 16 and 17 in Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Ninh and Hung Yen. C02 worked alongside specialised police units and local authorities to question suspects and carry out emergency searches. A criminal case was formally opened on August 27, and investigators have since charged 21 suspects with gambling offences. Authorities also seized approximately VND 2 billion in cash, 28 mobile phones and numerous documents and other items believed to be connected to the operation.
Investigators allege that Cong began working with Pham Thanh Chung in 2024 to purchase betting information linked to matches whose results had already been manipulated. The pair allegedly selected wagers considered highly likely to succeed, arranged financial transactions and placed bets for profit. To expand the operation, Cong reportedly recruited individuals to gamble through accounts on foreign-hosted websites and obtained access to high-limit VIP betting accounts through Nguyen Duc Ninh and other intermediaries. Several associates were allegedly paid to place bets under Cong’s instructions.
Long An Football Matches Under Investigation
One of the most serious findings concerns suspected match-fixing involving Long An FC. According to C02, Cong instructed Hoang Nhat Nam, a member of the club’s coaching staff, and Hoang Danh Ngoc to approach players and negotiate arrangements intended to influence match results. Investigators identified four Long An players allegedly involved: Nguyen Thanh Hai, Nguyen Anh Tai, Le Van Hung and Bui Hoang My. The players were reportedly asked to perform below their usual standards and follow predetermined match scenarios designed to benefit the betting operation.
Authorities identified two domestic football matches linked to the suspected arrangements. The first was Long An’s 4-1 defeat to Quy Nhon FC in the National First Division on October 3, 2025. The second involved Long An’s 2-0 loss to Nam Dinh FC in the National Cup on November 23, 2025. Investigators allege that the arrangements were intended to create favourable betting opportunities for Cong, who subsequently transferred payments to the intermediaries and participating players according to prior agreements.
VBA Basketball Players Also Implicated
The investigation also uncovered suspected manipulation of matches in the Vietnam Basketball Association. Police allege that in August 2026, Vo Hoang Minh Nhat discussed arrangements with Cong to influence basketball results and supplied betting information that could be used to place profitable wagers.
One match under investigation was the August 15, 2026 encounter between Da Nang Dragons and Nha Trang Dolphins. According to C02, Nhat approached Nha Trang Dolphins players Vo Huy Hoan and Huynh Vinh Quang, while also contacting Da Nang Dragons players Son Minh Tam, Mai Phuoc Thinh and Lam Minh Duy. Investigators allege that those involved discussed and agreed on arrangements to influence the match, with payments subsequently made according to their agreements.
Police estimate that Cong used billions of Vietnamese dong to place bets through the network. The investigation has also revealed how the alleged operation combined purchased betting information, rented VIP accounts and direct contact with individuals associated with professional sports clubs to seek advantages in gambling markets.
VFF Urged to Strengthen Match-Fixing Prevention
Following the operation, C02 called on the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to strengthen its monitoring of domestic competitions and improve measures to detect and prevent match-fixing, illegal betting and other violations of professional regulations. Authorities stressed the importance of protecting players and coaching staff from attempts to involve them in unlawful gambling activities.
The case has raised concerns about the vulnerability of domestic sporting competitions to organised betting networks, particularly when individuals with direct access to teams are allegedly involved. Investigators continue to examine the suspected operation and the roles of those connected to it.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process, and the individuals named have not been established as guilty by a court. The investigation represents a significant effort by Vietnamese authorities to address illegal sports betting and protect the integrity of professional football and basketball competitions.
VSN/RPT
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