Vietnam Insider

Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have arrested four people for running a fraudulent beauty clinic that posed as a medical facility and scammed clients out of more than VND 17 billion (US$680,000).

According to the city’s Security Investigation Department, those detained include Nguyen Van Truong (32, from Dong Thap), Vo Van Duc (28, from An Giang), Cao Tan Tu (25), and Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Linh (32) — all charged with fraud and property appropriation.

The group operated under the business name AC International at 19 Phan Xich Long Street, Gia Dinh Ward, HCMC, officially registered as a skincare and cosmetics service. However, police discovered the site had been illegally transformed into a “clinic” offering unauthorized medical treatments.

Veterinary graduate posed as doctor

Investigators said employees were instructed to dress as doctors, wear white coats, and use medical equipment for show. None of them had medical degrees — in fact, one staff member had only a veterinary diploma but was assigned to treat human patients.

The supposed treatments included IV drips, injections, and laser therapies, but police found that most substances used were merely saline, vitamins, or mild painkillers.

Deceptive ads and forced loans

The suspects created multiple fake Facebook pages posing as “international medical centers,” using titles like Doctor, Specialist, and PhD to attract clients. They also stole photos and videos of foreign doctors and high-tech medical devices to appear credible.

Victims were promised miracle cures for chronic pain, stomach disorders, gout, snoring, and men’s health issues—all “non-surgical” and “painless.” Many were persuaded to purchase treatment packages ranging from a few million to hundreds of millions of dong.

In some cases, clients who couldn’t afford the costs were coerced into taking app-based loans, while staff visited homes to collect money, police said.

Investigation and warning

From February to July 2025, the fake clinic scammed dozens of victims, mostly elderly patients or people from rural areas, according to investigators.

Police have urged more victims to come forward by contacting the HCMC Security Investigation Department at 243 Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, District 3 (Tel: 0693188504).

Officials also warned the public to avoid unlicensed clinics and only seek medical services at facilities approved by the Health Department. Businesses offering beauty or health services beyond their permits will face strict legal penalties, they added.

Police in central Vietnam have detained Ban Van Vy, 29, from Bac Ninh Province, after he allegedly stabbed five people at Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital.

Investigators said Vy had been caring for his wife and newborn twins for several days without sleep and suffered emotional distress before the attack.

Vy told police that his wife gave birth to twins at 35 weeks on October 17. One baby later developed an infection and was treated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Believing his child was not being properly cared for—and even fearing the baby had been switched—Vy lost control.

At around 10 a.m. on October 23, Vy allegedly grabbed a fruit knife and attacked two other parents in the same room. When medical staff tried to intervene, he stabbed them too, leaving five people injured, including three nurses and two relatives.

Among the victims, nurse Nguyen Thuy Trang suffered 11 stab wounds to her neck, chest, and back. Two newborns sustained minor scratches but are safe.

Police confirmed Vy tested negative for drugs and alcohol and had no record of mental illness.

Provincial officials, including Deputy Chairman Hoang Phu Hien, visited the victims at Nghe An General Hospital and requested tighter hospital security.

The case is under further investigation.

As heavy rain lashed Danang this week, a local man drew widespread attention for wrapping his BMW sedan in a giant tarp to protect it from flooding — a creative move that netizens have dubbed the “handmade flood-proof version.”

The car’s owner, Tran Thanh Nguyen, who lives in Thanh Khe Ward, said he decided to “wrap up” his car after hearing forecasts of extremely heavy rainfall.

“I went through the 2022 flood and still remember the damage,” Nguyen told reporters. “Back then, I was just watching the rain, and within minutes, water rose to half the wheel. An hour later, it was over a meter high in my house.”

This time, with rainfall predictions of 700–900 millimeters, Nguyen used a 6×12 meter waterproof tarp and rope to fully cover his BMW. “If floodwater comes in, at least the car can float instead of sinking,” he joked.

Photos of the blue-and-orange–wrapped BMW quickly went viral across Vietnamese social media, earning thousands of shares and comments. Many users praised Nguyen’s ingenuity and proactive spirit in coping with natural disasters.

When asked why he didn’t move the car to higher ground, Nguyen said:

“In this kind of weather, no one can guarantee which area won’t flood. Even parking garages are full. It’s better to have my own backup plan.”

Nguyen added that his home is already equipped with a 1.4-meter flood barrier, and wrapping the car is a secondary precaution in case water still enters.

He bought the two-layer green-orange tarp at a construction supply store for a sedan-sized vehicle but noted that it was “just slightly short” and reinforced it with tape at the seams.

“If you have an SUV or a higher vehicle, you’ll need a larger tarp,” he advised. “And remember, 6×12 meters might not be wide enough.”

Under Nguyen’s Facebook post, thousands of comments applauded the idea. Many Danang residents said they plan to copy the method during upcoming storms, humorously calling it the “handmade BMW flood edition.”

Police in Lam Dong Province have arrested Nguyen Tu Tin, the ex-husband of the victim in a notorious case in which a woman was allegedly tortured by her in-laws under the guise of “exorcism.”

The arrest, made on Thursday afternoon, is part of a renewed investigation into the case that once drew widespread attention in Phan Thiet City (formerly part of Binh Thuan Province). Tin is being investigated for unlawful detention, according to provincial police.

Initial findings show that between December 4, 2023, and April 15, 2024, the victim — Tran Thi Bich D., 33 — was locked inside a house on Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, Phu Thuy Ward, by her former sisters-in-law Nguyen Thi Hoai Diem and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan. Believing she was “possessed by evil spirits,” the pair hired guards and prevented her from leaving the house to conduct what they called a “ritual to drive away demons.”

They reportedly paid VND 2 million (US$80) to Nguyen Hong Tam and VND 4.9 million (US$200) to their son-in-law Tran Huu Tinh to take turns guarding the victim.

On April 18, 2024, the woman managed to escape and reported the incident to local authorities. Tam and Tinh later surrendered and confessed their involvement.

Subsequent raids uncovered weapons, wooden hammers, ropes, paper effigies, and seals inscribed with religious symbols such as “Cuu Thien Huyen Nu” — associated with a local cult practice.

During an expanded investigation, the victim testified that she had been repeatedly beaten by her ex-husband Tin and his sisters using their hands, bottles, wooden pestles, and mortars, targeting her face, chest, and genital area under the claim of “expelling evil spirits.”

A forensic report concluded that she suffered a broken nasal bone and two fractured ribs, with a total bodily injury rate of 20%.

The court later determined that, in addition to unlawful detention, several individuals may face charges of intentional injury and aiding and abetting, with Nguyen Tu Tin identified as one of the ringleaders.

The case, widely referred to as the “exorcism torture of the sister-in-law”, is under continued investigation by Lam Dong authorities.

A taxi was swept away by floodwaters in Hue City on Thursday night, but the driver and passenger managed to escape safely before the vehicle was carried off by the current.

Local authorities in Thuy Xuan Ward confirmed that as of Friday morning, search efforts were still underway to locate the missing taxi.

According to initial information, around 11 p.m. on October 23, driver Nguyen Cao Thang, 43, was taking a male passenger from Dong Khoi Street to 109 Minh Mang Street when the vehicle stalled near Hong Khe Bridge, an area prone to flooding.

As Thang attempted to restart the car, heavy rain intensified and floodwaters from upstream rose rapidly. Both the driver and the passenger quickly got out before the taxi was swept away.

Local authorities deployed search teams overnight, but as of 9 a.m. Friday, the vehicle had not been found.

Officials noted that the site of the incident is a low-lying area where barricades are typically placed during floods. Although barriers had been lowered by 5 p.m. on Thursday to block access, the taxi driver reportedly ignored the warning and proceeded through.

Hue City experienced torrential rain on the night of October 23, with rainfall measured at 205.8 mm in Loc Tien, 230.4 mm in Thuan An, and 241.6 mm in Bach Ma. The heavy rain caused widespread flooding across several neighborhoods including Ha Huy Tap, Duong Van An, and Nguyen Huu Canh streets, while the Huong River rose to nearly level two of the flood warning scale.

In low-lying districts such as Quang Dien and Thanh Thuy, floodwaters—exacerbated by tidal surges—have inundated residential areas for several days, reaching depths of up to 0.8 meters. Residents have been moving belongings to higher ground and stocking up on food as water levels continue to rise, causing severe traffic disruptions across parts of the city.

Frustration mounted among visitors on Monday as the Louvre Museum, the world’s most-visited museum, remained closed for a second day following a dramatic daylight jewel heist.

Crowds gathered outside the museum’s iconic glass pyramid, pressing against locked iron gates in hopes of entering. The Louvre had been scheduled to open at 9 a.m. local time, just one day after masked robbers made off with several priceless jewels and fled on scooters.

But disappointment spread quickly when officials announced that the museum would stay shut for another day.

“It’s my birthday, it was my gift, and I’ve wanted to come for years, so I’m a bit upset,” said Elisa Valentino, 31, a visitor from Italy, wiping away tears.
“I studied art — this was the only thing I had planned for my trip to Paris, and I’m leaving tomorrow.”

Other tourists echoed her frustration. Jesslyn Ehlers, 38, from the United States, said she and her husband had checked online before coming but found no notice of the closure.

“We were excited to show up,” she said. “We’re just kind of disappointed — we’ve been planning this for a long time.”

The Louvre confirmed that visitors who booked same-day tickets would receive refunds, though for many, the closure was a bigger emotional loss than financial.

Adam Cooke, 65, visiting from London, said he and his wife would miss their only chance to see the museum’s vast collection, which includes the Mona Lisa.

“We’ll be refunded, but that’s not the point,” he said.

Seven-Minute Heist

The Louvre, alongside the Eiffel Tower, is one of Paris’s top attractions, drawing nearly nine million visitors last year. The shock closure followed an audacious heist on Sunday, when thieves stole eight priceless jewels, including an emerald-and-diamond necklace once gifted by Napoleon I to Empress Marie-Louise.

The burglars reportedly entered through a window near the museum’s Apollo Gallery using a ladder and cutting tools, breaking into display cases before escaping within seven minutes. They dropped a ninth artifact — the crown of Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III — which was later recovered, damaged.

“It’s amazing that the heist happened in broad daylight. That’s obviously very unfortunate and embarrassing,” said Cooke.

For many, the incident raised concerns about the museum’s security.

“It’s unimaginable that someone could steal something from the Louvre,” said Sissi Liu, 39, a tourist from China.
Andreea Dumitras, 17, from Moldova, added: “What’s most frustrating is how weak the security seems to be. Someone from security told me it’s not even certain the museum will reopen soon.”

The Louvre has yet to confirm when it will reopen to the public as police continue their investigation into what many have called one of France’s most daring cultural thefts in recent history.

Ho Chi Minh City — Vietnam is seeing a surge of interest from Eastern European travelers following its recent visa exemption policy, according to data from online travel platform Agoda.

Agoda reported a 60% increase in search interest from Eastern Europe after Vietnam announced visa-free entry for citizens of 12 European nations in mid-August. Specifically, searches rose 77% from Slovenia, 74% from Poland, 72% from Bulgaria, 69% from Romania, and 61% from Slovakia, based on accommodation search data between August 15 and September 30 for stays during October and November, compared to the same period last year.

“The data clearly demonstrates how simplified entry procedures and improved accessibility encourage travelers from Europe and other long-haul markets to visit Vietnam,” said Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director of Agoda Vietnam.

Starting August 15, citizens from Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland have been granted visa-free entry for stays of up to 45 days, regardless of passport type.

The rise in search activity mirrors official statistics. Data from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam shows that European tourist arrivals increased by nearly 35% in the first nine months of 2025.

In the third quarter alone, Vietnam welcomed 568,370 European visitors, marking a 38% increase from the previous quarter and an impressive 60% year-on-year growth.

Ho Chi Minh City — A 23-year-old woman was killed after losing control of her motorbike and sliding under a trailer truck on Tran Dai Nghia Street, Binh Tan District, on Wednesday morning.

According to police, the accident occurred at around 10 a.m. near 92C Tran Dai Nghia Street, Tan Tao Ward, when the woman’s motorbike collided with a tractor-trailer carrying steel coils, both traveling in the same direction toward Vo Tran Chi Street.

Security camera footage showed the victim’s motorbike skidding and falling under the truck, resulting in her death at the scene. The victim was later identified as H.T.T.N, 23, from Tay Ninh Province.

A man riding a motorbike behind her also fell while trying to brake suddenly but escaped serious injury as a nearby truck driver managed to stop in time.

Traffic police quickly arrived to cordon off the area, redirect traffic, and investigate the cause of the crash. By early afternoon, the scene had been cleared and traffic resumed normal flow.

Residents said Tran Dai Nghia Street is relatively narrow but frequently crowded with large vehicles such as trucks and container lorries. Authorities urged motorists to maintain safe distances and avoid traveling alongside heavy vehicles to prevent similar accidents.

Ho Chi Minh City – October 23, 2025 — The Ho Chi Minh City Police have officially prosecuted and detained singer-songwriter Luong Bang Quang and his wife, DJ and internet personality Vo Thi Ngoc Ngan, widely known as Ngan 98, on charges of offering a VND 8 billion (US$320,000) bribe to avoid criminal prosecution in a counterfeit food case.

According to police reports, this marks the latest development in the expanded investigation into the case of “producing and trading counterfeit food” in which Ngan 98 had previously been detained.

Investigators said that after authorities uncovered serious violations in her company’s business operations in July 2024, Ngan 98 and Luong Bang Quang allegedly gave VND 8 billion to Le Sy Cuong (38, residing in Ben Thanh Ward) — a social acquaintance — to act as a middleman in an attempt to “settle” the case.

Based on the evidence collected, on October 23, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Investigation Agency issued arrest warrants and prosecution decisions for Luong Bang Quang and Vo Thi Ngoc Ngan on charges of bribery, and for Le Sy Cuong on charges of acting as an intermediary in bribery.

Authorities are continuing to expand the investigation to identify and handle all individuals involved in accordance with the law.

Counterfeit Health Products Containing Banned Substances

Earlier, on October 13, Ngan 98 was arrested and prosecuted for “producing and trading counterfeit food products.”
Investigators revealed that she operated ZuBu Trading and Service Co., Ltd., a company registered under her mother’s name, and ZuBu Shop, registered under another associate.

Since 2021, Ngan had worked with several factories in Hanoi to manufacture dietary supplements such as Super Detox X3, X7, and X1000, all officially licensed. However, she later produced an unregistered product called “Collagen Vegetable Capsules”, labeled as a “complimentary item” to bypass regulations.

Testing showed that some of these products contained sibutramine and phenolphthalein — substances banned in food and supplements due to their severe health risks, including cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, and potential carcinogenic effects.

The products were marketed as a complete “weight-loss regimen”, sold at prices ranging from VND 870,000 to VND 1.1 million per set.
Data from delivery companies indicated that between 2023 and 2024, revenue from these illegal operations reached hundreds of billions of dong.

Public Reaction

The case has sparked widespread attention across Vietnamese social media, with many expressing shock over the scale of the alleged bribery and the involvement of a well-known entertainment couple.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on counterfeit goods and corruption within the health supplement industry — a sector that has rapidly expanded in recent years amid growing demand for beauty and fitness products.

Thailand’s tourism industry is once again on edge as concerns grow that a wave of kidnapping and scam-related crimes in neighboring Cambodia could drive South Korean tourists — one of Thailand’s key markets — to shift their travel plans toward Vietnam.

The warning comes just months after a sharp drop in Chinese arrivals following a series of high-profile abduction cases linked to scam compounds in Myanmar, which led many Chinese travelers to choose safer destinations like Vietnam and Malaysia.

Korean Traveler Death Sparks Regional Alarm

The latest shock came last week, when South Korea imposed travel bans on parts of Cambodia after a Korean university student was tortured to death inside a scam center. Seoul immediately dispatched officials to Phnom Penh to assist citizens allegedly detained in similar facilities.

As Korean media warned travelers to avoid not only Cambodia but also its neighboring transit hubs, Thai tourism officials began to fear “spillover effects” that could dampen their country’s recovery momentum.

“Online scams have become a serious social concern in South Korea,” said Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, President of the Chonburi Tourism Council, speaking to the Bangkok Post.
“Tour packages to Thailand haven’t been canceled yet, but new bookings are slowing dramatically. We estimate a 20–30% drop in the Korean market for Pattaya, as many travelers are switching to Vietnam, which offers lower costs and fresh attractions.”

A Regional Image Crisis

The situation is reminiscent of earlier this year, when the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing and his transfer to a scam complex in Myanmar triggered a 35% decline in Chinese arrivals to Thailand during the first nine months of 2025.

As of mid-October, Thailand had welcomed 1.2 million Korean tourists — down 17% year-on-year — ranking fifth among international markets. Meanwhile, Vietnam has drawn 3.3 million Korean visitors, making South Korea its second-largest source market after China.

“The fear surrounding scam syndicates in Cambodia has created a ripple of insecurity across the region,” noted Adith Chairattananon, Secretary-General of the Thai Travel Agents Association.
“Many Koreans use Thailand as a transit point to Cambodia, but now they feel the Thai government’s security measures are not strong enough to guarantee their safety. This hurts Thailand’s brand as ASEAN’s travel hub.”

Eastern Thai provinces such as Chanthaburi and Trat — once popular with overland tour groups heading to Cambodia — are also seeing reduced traffic due to both border tensions and security fears.

Vietnam’s Tourism Advantage

Analysts say Vietnam is benefiting from its reputation for safety, affordability, and dynamic tourism development. According to travel expert Shukor Yusof, founder of Endau Analytics, “A new airport or infrastructure project alone cannot restore confidence in Cambodia. Travelers today prioritize safety and trust — and Vietnam offers both.”

He added, “Beyond Angkor Wat and the Killing Fields, Cambodia struggles to compete with Vietnam and Thailand in culture, cuisine, and security. For now, Cambodia’s image is deeply damaged by associations with scam networks and human trafficking.”

Thailand’s Challenge Ahead

Tourism accounts for nearly 20% of Thailand’s GDP, and Korean visitors are a cornerstone of the sector. Experts warn that without stronger regional cooperation to combat cross-border crime, Thailand risks losing market share not only to Vietnam but also to emerging Southeast Asian destinations seen as safer and better managed.

As one Thai tourism insider put it:

“Scams don’t just hurt victims — they destroy confidence. And once tourists lose trust, they don’t just cancel trips. They go elsewhere.”

South Sudan – In a powerful display of skill, compassion, and international solidarity, Vietnamese military doctors serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have successfully performed a complex Achilles tendon reconstruction on a Mongolian officer — marking the first surgery of its kind carried out by Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital No.7 on African soil.

According to Vietnam’s Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the operation was performed after the officer, a senior commander from Mongolia’s peacekeeping contingent, suffered a complete rupture of his left Achilles tendon during a training exercise.

Trust Across Borders

After a thorough examination and consultation, the Mongolian officer expressed full confidence in the Vietnamese medical team and requested to undergo surgery at the field hospital, ensuring continuity of care while maintaining his leadership duties within the mission.

Given the complexity of the case, the hospital sought authorization from the UNMISS Chief Medical Officer before proceeding. Approval was swiftly granted, allowing the team to schedule and carry out the procedure.

A Precision Operation in the Heart of Africa

The operation was led by Dr. Tran Duc Tai, Director of Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital No.7. Over the course of nearly an hour, the surgical team worked with absolute focus and precision to reconnect the ruptured tendon using a modified Krackow suture technique — a method designed to enhance tendon strength, minimize bleeding, and promote optimal physiological recovery.

The surgery took place under strict sterile conditions with comprehensive anesthesia, resuscitation, and infection-control protocols in place.

Following the procedure, the patient was transferred to the recovery ward for close monitoring. His post-operative progress has been excellent: the wound remains clean and dry, and functional recovery is on track.

“This successful operation once again demonstrates the professionalism, dedication, and humanitarian spirit of Vietnam’s peacekeeping medical personnel,” said Dr. Tai.

Beyond One Surgery: Building Trust and Saving Lives

This was the third successful surgery performed by the Vietnamese field hospital within its first month of deployment to South Sudan. In addition, the hospital has carried out one aeromedical evacuation, and provided consultation and treatment for over 200 patients from various UN contingents.

Members of Level-2 Field Hospital No.7 also actively participate in all UNMISS medical and peacekeeping training programs, continually strengthening cooperation and readiness to respond to humanitarian and emergency medical needs across the mission area.

A Symbol of Vietnam’s Peacekeeping Commitment

Since joining UN peacekeeping missions, Vietnam has become increasingly recognized for the professionalism and compassion of its “blue-beret doctors” — military physicians who bring both medical expertise and a message of peace to conflict-affected regions.

The success of this operation not only reflects Vietnam’s growing medical capabilities on the international stage but also underscores the country’s unwavering commitment to global peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.

Nghệ An, Vietnam – In a shocking five-minute rampage inside the Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, a 29-year-old man armed with a fruit knife attacked seven people — including nurses, family members, and newborn infants — in a scene that left medical staff and patients reeling in horror.

Authorities have detained Ban Van Vy, who is under investigation for attempted murder and intentional injury, following the violent outburst that unfolded on the morning of October 23.

A Normal Morning Turns into Chaos

Vy’s wife had just given birth to twins, one of whom had been transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit due to infection. According to hospital staff, Vy appeared calm when visiting his wife earlier that morning — before suddenly snapping around 10 a.m.

Witnesses say Vy burst into the hospital room, grabbed a small fruit knife, and began attacking people seemingly at random. A nurse and a patient’s relative were the first victims. Screams filled the corridor as patients and family members scrambled for safety.

“He suddenly turned violent. I saw him try to grab a baby and run toward the window,” said Phan Thi Tu, a 63-year-old grandmother who was caring for her premature grandchildren in the same room.
“I begged him not to throw the child. He strangled me, but I fought back and ran with the baby in my arms.”

Vy then allegedly chased Tu and struck both her and the infant before turning on others nearby.

‘He Tried to Throw My Grandchild’

Another witness, Ngo Thi Thu Thuy, from Dien Chau District, recalled the horrifying moment Vy seized her newborn grandchild and headed for the restroom, apparently intent on throwing the baby.

“I didn’t think of my wounds — I just had to protect the baby,” Thuy said, showing bandages on her arms after being stabbed several times.

Even Vy’s wife, lying weak from childbirth, was attacked as hospital staff rushed to intervene.

Bravery Amid Panic

Hearing the screams, nurse Tran Thi Hong sprinted from an adjacent room and confronted Vy, managing to snatch the baby from his hands before fleeing.

“He was furious, holding the knife tight. I just ran as fast as I could,” Hong said.

As Vy pursued her through the ward, another nurse, Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang, grabbed the child and hid with colleagues in a small staff room, using a thin blanket to cover the newborn. Vy found them and stabbed Trang four times before being restrained.

A hospital security guard recalled hearing shouts of “Fire on the third floor!” — only to find chaos instead.

“When I arrived, I saw him stabbing a nurse. I tried to calm him down, to buy time so the nurses could escape with the baby,” the guard said.

Within five minutes, police officers arrived and subdued Vy.

Seven Injured, One in Critical Condition

Hospital director Tang Xuan Hai confirmed that seven people were injured — including two nurses, a medical student, two relatives, and two infants. Nurse Trang sustained serious stab wounds but survived after emergency surgery at Nghe An General Hospital.

One newborn suffered minor head injuries but was stabilized.

A Wake-Up Call for Vietnam’s Healthcare System

The Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital — a top regional maternity facility with over 1,300 staff — has since tightened security measures.

The attack highlights growing concern over violence against healthcare workers in Vietnam. According to the Ministry of Health, most such incidents occur in provincial hospitals, with 70% of victims being doctors or nurses.

The World Health Organization estimates that 8–38% of healthcare workers globally experience workplace violence at least once in their careers — often at the hands of patients or relatives under stress.

As authorities continue investigating what drove Vy’s sudden breakdown, the country is once again debating how to protect those who dedicate their lives to saving others.