Many students across the country have become victims of “online kidnapping” crimes. Ho Chi Minh City Police have established a specialized investigation team to quickly handle this case.
On August 1, the Criminal Police Department (PC02) of Ho Chi Minh City Police established a specialized task force to handle “online kidnapping” cases, headed by Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Trung Hoa – Deputy Head of the Department. Members of this special criminal team also include many commanders and officers of professional teams.
The fake policemen showed the victims images of “interrogating criminals” (impersonating accomplices) in the interrogation room and confessed to being related to the person on the video call. Photo: Can Tho Police
The task force is responsible for receiving reports, coordinating with relevant forces to quickly investigate, prosecute and prevent incidents, and protect the safety of victims in the fastest time.
Therefore, when detecting or suspecting a case of “online kidnapping”, people should call 0693.187.200 (PC02) or 028.3821.7080 (Team 2) for timely support.
This move by Ho Chi Minh City Police was made in the context that authorities and the press have continuously warned, but many young people in Hanoi , Quang Ninh , Ho Chi Minh City , Can Tho … still fall into the trap of “online kidnapping” criminals.
This is a new, sophisticated trick of cybercriminals, combining high technology and psychological manipulation to create confusion and demand money transfers.
Common tricks include impersonating police, prosecutors or shippers to make phone calls or via social networks, even using video calls with summonses, Zoom Workplace. They claim that the victim is involved in a money laundering or drug case, forcing them to “appear” in an online investigation or they will be “temporarily detained”. Then they isolate the victim in a rented room, rent a hotel, and cut off all contact with relatives and friends. Many students are forced to tie their own hands, tortured… so that they can film and send videos to blackmail their families for hundreds of millions of dong.
Investigators advise parents not to let their children use electronic devices without supervision. Recent cases show that most victims are confused, lack legal knowledge and response skills, leading to falling into scam traps.
Parents need to regularly talk to and educate their children about impersonation and fraud; teach them how to check information and stay calm when receiving strange calls claiming to be from the police or government agencies. Schools need to increase propaganda against high-tech crime and integrate personal defense skills into life skills programs.
Ho Chi Minh City police confirmed that they never work via social networks, do not send summonses via phone, and do not ask for money transfers. People should absolutely not provide photos, account numbers or personal information to strangers. When in doubt, people should immediately cut off contact, save evidence and contact the nearest police station or hotline 113 for support.
Male student tortures himself so criminals can film him and send him to his family for blackmail. Photo: Provided by the police
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