Hanoi police have launched criminal proceedings against a digital marketing agency accused of helping unlicensed gambling operators attract players through search engine optimisation and online traffic generation.
Authorities announced the detention of Pham Ngoc Manh, the chief executive of Super Thi Seo Media Services Co., Ltd., along with 17 managers and employees as part of an investigation into the alleged illegal provision of information through computer and telecommunications networks.
According to investigators, the company presented itself as a legitimate SEO and website promotion business but primarily worked to improve the visibility of illegal gambling platforms. Police said the agency operated with dedicated departments covering marketing, SEO, information technology, customer support and backlink services, all of which allegedly contributed to boosting gambling websites in online search results.
Investigators claim Manh managed 41 electronic wallets used to receive payments in USDT cryptocurrency. Employee salaries were reportedly paid mainly in cash, a practice authorities believe was intended to make financial transactions more difficult to trace.
During searches linked to the case, police seized more than VND7bn ($268,000) in cash and assets converted from cryptocurrency holdings. A separate savings account containing VND3bn was also frozen. Authorities additionally confiscated 29 computers and 41 mobile phones.
Police estimate that since the beginning of 2026, the company generated around VND3.7bn by promoting and improving search rankings for 22 Vietnamese-language gambling websites operating without licences.
The investigation remains ongoing, with travel restrictions imposed on 15 additional individuals believed to be connected to the case. Authorities have not ruled out further charges as they continue examining the firm’s activities and financial transactions.
The case highlights Vietnam’s continued efforts to target not only illegal gambling operators themselves but also the businesses and service providers that support their online presence and player acquisition strategies.