(TAP) - Recently, Vietnamese authorities have arrested a Chinese national and his accomplice for hacking into networks and illegally withdrawing money from Vietnamese citizens’ bank accounts. The group built their own signal-transmitting devices to carry out the attacks, thereby stealing money from the accounts of multiple victims.
A Chinese national used signal-transmitting devices to breach networks and seize bank accounts in Hanoi. Source: cuanam.hanoi.gov.vn
According to the Electronic Portal of Cua Nam Ward (Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam) on November 11, local police have prosecuted and detained a man named Thieu Van (31 years old, Chinese national, from Hubei Province) on charges of Illegally accessing computer networks, telecommunications networks, or electronic devices of others to appropriate property. Through investigation, on September 27, Thieu Van entered Vietnam through Noi Bai International Airport, rented a homestay in Cau Giay ward (Hanoi city) for accommodation. The suspect brought with him a mini computer and several signal-transmitting devices to conduct cyberattacks in coordination with accomplices in China.
By October 25, Van purchased a power station worth over 6.2 million VND, which he later assembled into a mobile signal-transmitting device. From October 29 to 31, he carried a suitcase containing the equipment to various entertainment venues and crowded shopping centers in Hanoi, activating the system to assist his accomplices in hacking into telecommunications networks and gaining access to citizens’ bank accounts. The group created fake banking websites and sent “information verification” links to users. As soon as victims entered their account names and passwords, the system immediately took control and drained all the money from their bank accounts.
Thieu Van, a Chinese citizen, has been indicted and taken into custody for alleged cyber intrusion and asset misappropriation. Source: cuanam.hanoi.gov.vn
On the afternoon of November 3, while Thieu Van was deploying the equipment in the Trang Tien Plaza area, Cua Nam Ward Police detected and arrested him, seizing all related evidence. Authorities are continuing to expand their investigation into the transnational high-tech crime network. They have also advised the public to remain vigilant, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never provide banking information to unknown parties.
Diem My