Vietnam’s Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has called for urgent action to tackle high-tech fraud as criminals adopt increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit digital platforms. The directive, issued through Official Dispatch No. 139/CĐ-TTg on Monday, urges ministries and local authorities to launch a coordinated nationwide effort against cybercrime.
The campaign will target fraud and property appropriation facilitated by technology, with a focus on prevention, public education, and strict law enforcement.
Rising Threat of Cybercrime
Despite some progress in combating cyber fraud, officials warn that the issue remains complex. Criminals continue to adapt, causing significant financial losses and undermining public confidence in online systems.
“This is a serious threat to public security and requires urgent, comprehensive action,” the Prime Minister said in the directive.
Coordinated National Response
The Ministry of Public Security (MoPS) has been tasked with leading the campaign, working closely with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), and other agencies.
Key measures include:
- Tracking Fraudulent Accounts: Developing a database of suspicious payment accounts and e-wallets to prevent scams and recover stolen funds, to be operational by early 2025.
- Public Awareness: Launching campaigns to help people identify and avoid online scams.
- Stronger Enforcement: Intensifying investigations and prosecutions of cybercrime cases.
Tackling Vulnerabilities in Finance and Technology
Financial institutions and telecommunications providers are under pressure to tighten their safeguards. The SBV will propose biometric verification for payment accounts and eliminate anonymous or improperly identified accounts. Meanwhile, the MIC will work to ensure subscriber information is accurate and address issues with unregistered SIM cards.
The Ministry of Finance is speeding up efforts to regulate virtual assets, aiming to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. Education on e-commerce fraud will also be prioritised.
Expanding Public Education
The campaign includes plans to integrate fraud prevention into school curricula, overseen by the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs. At the same time, the Ministry of Science and Technology will focus on developing new tools to detect and combat cybercrime.
State media outlets, such as Vietnam Television and the Voice of Vietnam, will play a critical role in raising awareness by reporting on cyber scams and promoting preventative measures.
Judicial and Local Involvement
The Supreme People’s Court and Supreme People’s Procuracy have been directed to ensure strict trials for high-profile or cross-border cases. Local authorities must also inspect high-risk areas and tighten regulations on SIM card issuance, which is often exploited in cyber scams.
International Cooperation
Vietnam plans to strengthen international collaboration through agreements with bordering nations and beyond, aiming to tackle cross-border cybercrime more effectively.
The initiative signals Vietnam’s commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting its citizens in an increasingly digital world. By combining stricter regulations, technological advancements, and public education, the government aims to stay ahead of evolving threats in cyberspace.
