Vietnamese authorities have launched a criminal investigation into a match-fixing syndicate that allegedly bribed players from the Long An Football Club to intentionally underperform.
The Ministry of Public Security’s Criminal Police Department announced on November 11 that 21 defendants have been processed in connection with a wide-reaching illegal gambling scheme involving soccer and basketball matches.
Investigators determined that Vu Chi Cong, a 28-year-old Ukrainian national residing in Ho Chi Minh City, orchestrated the manipulation of Long An Football Club matches. According to the Criminal Police Department, Cong coordinated with technical staff member Hoang Nhat Nam and Hoang Danh Ngoc to ensure specific players performed below their potential.
The players identified as Nguyen Thanh Hai, Nguyen Anh Tai, Le Van Hung, and Bui Hoang My were allegedly directed to influence the outcomes of matches to match betting scenarios.
The investigation linked the scheme to two specific fixtures in 2025: a 4–1 loss to Quy Nhon Club in the National First Division on October 3, and a 2–0 loss to Nam Dinh Club in the National Cup on November 23. Following the matches, payments were distributed to the players and staff members involved.
The operation, which first came to light on August 16, spanned across Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Hung Yen. Authorities seized 2 billion VND, 28 mobile phones, and various documents detailing the illegal activities. The syndicate utilized high-level VIP betting accounts to place wagers on foreign-hosted platforms such as M88, OK9, BK8, and FB88.
Vu Chi Cong allegedly managed the betting strategy, while Nguyen Duc Ninh acted as a facilitator for acquiring VIP accounts. These accounts were frequently leased from other individuals to conceal the identity of the bettors. Cong also recruited several associates to manage the wagers and handle money transfers, ensuring the syndicate could profit from manipulated results.
The investigation also uncovered evidence of match-fixing in the professional basketball league, the VBA, during the 2026 season. Defendant Vo Hoang Minh Nhat allegedly conspired with Cong to manipulate the score of a match between the Da Nang Dragons and the Nha Trang Dolphins on August 15, 2026.
Players identified as Vo Huy Hoan and Huynh Vinh Quang of the Nha Trang Dolphins, along with Son Minh Tam, Mai Phuoc Thinh, and Lam Minh Duy of the Da Nang Dragons, were accused of participating in the scheme.
The Criminal Police Department has coordinated with the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to improve oversight and address ethics violations.
The investigation remains active, with the Ministry of Public Security continuing to process the 21 defendants currently in custody. The department has said that the crackdown is intended to uphold the integrity of the national sports system and deter future misconduct among athletes and coaching staff.
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