Vientiane: A special task force from the Ministry of Public Security has arrested 139 people from four nationalities during raids on suspected cybercrime and online gambling operations in Xaysetha District, Vientiane Capital.
According to Lao News Agency, the Public Security Newspaper reported that the raids were conducted over the weekend at the Mangrove Hotel and Glory Apartment in Phai Village. The operation targeted locations suspected of being hubs for illegal online activities.
At the Mangrove Hotel, authorities detained 114 suspects, including 50 women. The detainees comprised 105 Thai nationals, seven Chinese nationals, one Taiwanese national, and one Cambodian national. The task force seized 17 laptops, 321 mobile phones, 11 iPads, tablets, computer monitors, and other items. Additionally, suspected kratom products and e-cigarettes were confiscated during the operation.
At Glory Apartment, 25 suspects, including four women, were detained. These individuals included 12 Thai, seven Chinese, and six Taiwanese nationals. Evidence collected from this location included computers, 119 mobile phones, three iPads, and two small bags of white powder suspected to be illegal drugs, which are pending laboratory testing.
Authorities are currently questioning the suspects to gather more information and are expanding the investigation to identify alleged ringleaders and accomplices. The goal is to ensure prosecution in accordance with the law.