Arrest of gang leader of gambling ring using guns
Cao Nguyen Thien Huu, 30 years old, gathered many gangsters who used guns, organized an inter-provincial football betting line and hired debt collectors.
On December 14, Huu, Ngo Vinh Quang, Ho Chi Phuc (all 31 years old), Nguyen Thi Kim Hue (40 years old) and many others were arrested by the Criminal Police Department (PC02) of Ho Chi Minh City Police for the act ofGambling organization;Gamble.
![]() |
Cao Nguyen Thien Huu (second from left) and accomplices. Photo:Nhat Vy |
More than 2 months ago, the police discovered a gang in Ho Chi Minh City that was organizing online gambling. These people frequently changed their residence, had close relationships with "big shots" in some neighboring provinces and showed signs of mafia activities.
After a period of monitoring, PC02 divided into 8 attack groups, simultaneously searched many locations, arrested Huu and his accomplices; seized a number of pistols and many related property evidences.
According to the investigation agency, Huu is the leader of this gang. When the 2022 World Cup started, he contacted a number of gambling "bosses" to get the master account, then with his juniors divided it into smaller amounts and gave it to lower-level agents and players.
![]() |
Gangsters organizing gambling arrested. Photo:Nhat Vy |
During his operations, Huu gathered many "famous" followers. Among them, Ngo Vinh Quang was once a member of a gang specializing in organizing gambling and illegal credit led by Vu "Bong Hong" (aka Lam Thanh Vu), which was dismantled by the Ministry of Public Security in early 2019. After completing his prison term, Quang joined Huu.
Quang was tasked with helping Huu fight for gambling territories, protection, and debt collection. In many cases, Quang used a pistol to threaten debtors to get money.
"This group is mostly drug addicts so they are very reckless," said an investigator.
![]() |
One of the military guns of Cao Nguyen Thien Huu's gang. Photo:Nhat Vy |
To deal with the police, mainly Cyber Security, Huu's group communicated with each other using foreign apps; regularly changed betting transaction accounts, and transferred money using pre-agreed symbols.
Ho Chi Minh City police are expanding their investigation and searching for people related to Huu's gang.