Lao Police Arrest 40 Suspects in Crackdown on Alleged Scam Operation

Vientiane: The inspection targeted apartments rented by foreign nationals that authorities alleged were being used to conduct online scam activities. According to Lao News Agency, a total of 40 individuals, including six women, were detained. The suspects comprise 33 Chinese nationals, 4 Cambodian nationals (all female), 1 Malaysian national, and 2 Lao nationals (both female). During the operation, police confiscated equipment believed to have been used in the alleged criminal activities, including 2,196 mobile phones and 109 desktop computers. Following the raid, the suspects and the seized evidence were taken into custody for further investigation. The case has since been transferred to the Foreigner Management Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security to continue legal proceedings in accordance with Lao law. The operation is part of the Lao authorities' ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and dismantle organized scam networks operating in the country.