Digital transformation as a powerful tool
High-tech crime now accounts for an ever-growing proportion of the overall crime landscape, rising both in the number of cases and in their level of sophistication and danger. These crimes range from online scams and identity theft to DDoS attacks, ransomware, the production and trade of illegal tools, equipment and software, the dissemination of malware targeting computer and telecommunications networks, and unlawful intrusion into such systems for the purpose of asset appropriation. The use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology for money laundering and financing criminal activities has also begun to appear.
Lieutenant Colonel Pham Manh Hung, Deputy Head of the Advisory Office of the Criminal Police Department (C02 – Ministry of Public Security), noted that C02 has proactively researched, built, developed and deployed various software database systems, including: a database of human-trafficking victims; a nationwide daily criminal-situation reporting tool; and systems for collecting, aggregating and analysing information to detect violations of the law and crimes relating to social order.
In 2025, the Party Committee and leadership of the Department approved investment in a system for collecting and analysing information and managing operational subjects via social-media platforms. The system has begun initial operations, supporting officers of specialised units. At present, C02 has been assigned by the Ministry of Public Security to lead the development and implementation of a national database for managing human trafficking.
High-tech crime now accounts for an ever-growing proportion of all criminal activity, with increases both in the number of cases and in the level of threat.
It is clear that digital transformation is a powerful tool in the fight against new forms of crime, particularly cybercrime and technology-based fraud. Applying scientific and technological advances in the context of increasingly sophisticated crimes enables law-enforcement agencies to accelerate investigations, track suspects and quickly identify individuals through imaging data.
Public Security forces have used AI technologies to analyse security-camera footage, recognise faces and trace suspects involved in online fraud, helping to dismantle numerous criminal cases. Digitalisation also makes the storage and retrieval of case files easier and more secure, rather than relying solely on traditional paper records.
During the exploitation of electronic data, combined with information collected under Project 06, C02 has supported local police in solving many major cases. Notably, in 2024, C02 directed and provided technical guidance to Dak Lak Police to arrest Pham The Uyen (from Ho Chi Minh City).
His method involved monitoring people withdrawing cash from banks by car, waiting for them to leave their vehicles and then smashing the windows to steal the money. Because Uyen operated across various provinces in the Mekong Delta and the Central Highlands, narrowing down and locating him proved difficult. When C02 intervened, camera footage collected along the roads was analysed and matched with high accuracy, enabling officers to arrest the suspect even though he consistently concealed his face, wore gloves, changed clothes, swapped licence plates and used multiple different vehicles.
In major investigative operations, tracing digital footprints and social-media accounts has allowed criminal investigators to clarify fraudulent activities and significantly improve investigative efficiency. Examples include dismantling a high-tech criminal group conducting fraud through the virtual-currency investment project “WorldMall.app”; dismantling a ring specialising in the manufacture, storage and illegal trade of military weapons led by Ngo Quang Vy operating across multiple cities and provinces; and taking down Special Case 225B involving organising and engaging in online gambling and football betting via the website bong88.com, led by Hoang Ta Minh Cuong.
Opportunities and challenges
Like many other sectors, the criminal police force faces a shortage of highly qualified personnel in the field of cybersecurity. Training and developing a cadre of specialists remains limited, while the need to equip officers with scientific and technological skills to combat high-tech crime is increasingly urgent.
Meanwhile, cyber fraud, cyberattacks and money laundering are growing faster than the speed at which laws can be amended or supplemented. This inadvertently creates loopholes for criminals, or leaves punishments insufficiently deterrent compared to the enormous profits generated, reducing overall preventive effectiveness. Tools such as big-data analytics and artificial intelligence, despite their vast potential, have not yet been applied widely or systematically.
In the context of rising high-tech crime, the recent opening for signature ceremony of the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime held successfully in the capital city of Ha Noi—with signatures from 72 countries—marks a significant milestone for Viet Nam in multilateral cooperation. It establishes a comprehensive and binding legal foundation for combating cross-border cybercrime, helping to close regulatory gaps through the standardisation of technical terminology, cybercrime classifications and investigative measures relating to electronic data.
Colonel Nguyen Thanh Ha, Deputy Director of C02, shared that more than a decade ago, high-tech criminals were typically those with advanced technical expertise and extensive knowledge of information technology. Today, criminals do not necessarily possess such qualifications but can still exploit technological advances to commit offences.
Highlighting the shift from a reactive to a proactive, prevention-centred model, reducing reliance on criminal sanctions, Colonel Nguyen Thanh Ha offered an example: fraud and asset appropriation originate from money. Therefore, if the flow of money can be cut off—by restricting easy transfers and strictly managing bank-account information through firm commitments—fraudulent motives can be suppressed. Likewise, strict management of SIM cards by telecommunications networks has significantly reduced phone-scam cases involving impersonation of public authorities.
Combating and preventing this type of crime requires coordinated involvement from the telecommunications and banking sectors. The application of science and technology is no longer optional, but an inevitable trend and essential requirement in the fight against crime.
Colonel Nguyen Thanh Ha
In addition, the legal system must be synchronised and updated. Regulations on data protection, cybersecurity and the responsibilities of relevant organisations must be issued promptly, alongside stronger deterrent measures for criminal and unlawful acts. Ultimately, all of these issues relate to human resources. Training and enhancing the qualifications of officers to meet practical demands are priorities clearly acknowledged by the leadership of C02, who have proposed appropriate solutions.
Colonel Nguyen Thanh Ha reaffirmed: Combating and preventing this type of crime requires coordinated involvement from the telecommunications and banking sectors. The application of science and technology is no longer a choice but an inevitable trend and essential requirement in the fight against crime.
