Police Bust Weapons-Assembly Ring: Thousands of Military-Style Guns and Parts Seized

Hanoi, 15 Sept 2025 — Vietnam’s Criminal Police Department (C02) has dismantled a major illegal weapons network led by Ngô Quang Vỹ, 33, that manufactured and sold thousands of military-style firearms and parts online, authorities announced.

Key facts

• Leader: Ngô Quang Vỹ (33), from Lâm Thao, Bắc Ninh.

• Scope: Network operated across multiple provinces with local “agents” and stash houses.

• Operations: Bought air rifles, pellets and parts from overseas e-commerce sites, then modified and assembled them into lethal firearms using mechanical workshops.

• Sales channels: YouTube, Facebook, Telegram, Viber and Zalo livestreams and private channels — included installation tutorials and direct sales.

• 2025 activity: More than 3,500 transactions recorded this year alone.

• Seizures: Authorities confiscated dozens of completed weapons (including PCP air rifles and shotguns), roughly 130,000 pellets, thousands of parts and machining equipment.

• Raids: On 13 Sept, nearly 200 officers from C02 and provincial police (Lai Châu, Hà Tĩnh, Bắc Ninh, Hải Phòng) simultaneously searched homes of 33 suspects.

• Forensics: Initial expert analysis classified the seized guns and core components as military-grade weapons.

How the ring operated

Investigators say the group imported airguns, pellets and spare parts, then used CNC machines and metalworking tools to alter components and convert them into high-power firearms with increased lethality. Finished weapons were hidden in rented properties and sold to buyers nationwide, including customers in mountainous areas seeking hunting arms.

Members promoted sales through social media livestreams, demonstrated assembly and offered shipping instructions. The trafficking business is estimated to have generated tens of billions VND.

Law enforcement response

The operation was led by C02 under the direct supervision of Thượng tướng Nguyễn Văn Long, Deputy Minister of Public Security. The coordinated raids aimed to disrupt production, trace distribution networks and collect evidence for prosecution under laws against manufacturing, storing and trading illegal firearms.

Public safety and next steps

Authorities warn the public about illegal weapons markets online and have called for continued vigilance. Police will pursue criminal charges against suspects and continue investigations into suppliers, money flows and customers who purchased modified firearms.