Hanoi People’s Court opened a first-instance trial of 58 defendants accused of operating a large transnational online gambling and money laundering network, as reported by local media.
According to prosecutors, the alleged ringleader, Mai Anh Viet, 45, faces charges of organizing gambling and money laundering. The remaining defendants are charged with organizing gambling or participating in gambling activities.
The case was uncovered on May 18 2025, when Lao authorities raided a hotel in Vientiane and detained Viet along with 29 other Vietnamese nationals. They were allegedly running online betting platforms through websites Bong X9, AZbet88, and CR88. The suspects and related evidence were later transferred to Vietnam for investigation.
Prosecutors allege that Viet launched Bong X9 in early 2022, linking it to major overseas bookmakers. After limited initial success, he reportedly partnered in late 2022 with Nguyen Huu Son to restructure the platform and purchase betting credits from foreign bookmakers for resale to players. A Singapore-based individual known as Lawren, also called Chinh, allegedly oversaw software development and site maintenance, while Viet’s group handled marketing, recruitment, and financial transactions.
Two additional platforms, AZbet88 and EX88, were launched in early 2023. From January 2023 to May 2025, total wagering across the three sites exceeded VND 4trn, according to the indictment.
Authorities allege that Viet attempted to conceal illicit proceeds by transferring funds through personal accounts and informal rotating savings pools. Investigators estimate that more than VND 18.8bn was laundered, with Viet’s personal illegal gains exceeding VND 5bn.
If convicted, the defendants could face significant prison terms under Vietnam’s criminal code.
The first-instance trial at Hanoi People’s Court is expected to last three days
