On June 3, the Security Investigation Department of the Ministry of Public Security completed a report on the additional investigation of the criminal case involving «gambling» that took place in Hanoi and other provinces and cities in the form of electronic reward-based games at the Overseas Vietnamese Business Club — Hanoi Branch (also known as King Club, located on the 1st floor of Pullman Hotel, Dong Da District, Hanoi).

The Security Investigation Department transferred the case file to the Supreme People’s Procuracy, recommending prosecution for 141 defendants. Among them, five individuals are recommended to be charged with organizing gambling, while 136 others are recommended to be charged with gambling.

Among those proposed for prosecution are three South Korean nationals, Mr. Ho Dai Dung — former Deputy Chairman of the People’s Committee of Phu Tho Province, and Ngo Ngoc Duc — former Secretary of the Party Committee of Hoa Binh City.

The Security Investigation Department assessed this case as highly serious and complex, involving new criminal methods and tactics.

The gambling organization and operations were conducted over an extended period with intricate details, involving connections between Vietnamese and foreign individuals. Therefore, investigating and clarifying the roles of the organizers—some of whom are foreign nationals—posed significant challenges.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese participants at King Club came from various social backgrounds, including government officials, public servants, and businesspeople, with exceptionally large sums of money involved.

These individuals were often introduced through acquaintances, friends, or directly approached King Club to obtain membership cards.

Based on electronic data collected from February 4, 2024, to June 22, 2024, the investigative agency concluded that the defendants engaged in gambling through electronic reward-based games such as slots, roulette, and baccarat. The total gambling amount reached $111.4 million, equivalent to over 2.683 trillion VND.

Among them, Kim In Sung (67, South Korean national) was identified as having illegally profited $9.4 million, approximately 228 billion VND. However, Kim In Sung left Vietnam before the case was uncovered, prompting the Ministry of Public Security to issue a wanted notice for him.

Overseas Vietnamese Business Club — Hanoi Branch

The Overseas Vietnamese Business Club — Hanoi Branch is a professional network established to connect Vietnamese entrepreneurs living abroad with business opportunities in Vietnam. It fosters economic collaboration, investment, and cultural exchange between overseas Vietnamese and their homeland. The club supports members with resources, networking, and policy guidance, contributing to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

King Club

The **King Club** was a famous jazz and entertainment venue in Helsinki, Finland, operating from the 1940s to the 1970s. Known as a hotspot for jazz and later rock music, it hosted legendary Finnish and international artists, becoming a cultural landmark in Helsinki’s nightlife. Though it closed decades ago, it remains a nostalgic symbol of Finland’s vibrant mid-20th-century music scene.

Pullman Hotel

The Pullman Hotel is a modern upscale hotel brand under the Accor group, known for its blend of business and leisure amenities. The brand originated in France and is named after the luxurious Pullman railway cars of the 19th century, which were synonymous with comfort and elegance. Today, Pullman Hotels are located in major cities worldwide, offering stylish accommodations and premium services for travelers.

Dong Da District

Dong Da District is a bustling urban district in Hanoi, Vietnam, known for its rich history and cultural significance. It is home to the famous Dong Da Mound, a historic site where Emperor Quang Trung led a victorious battle against Chinese invaders in 1789. Today, the district blends modern development with traditional Vietnamese heritage, featuring markets, temples, and educational institutions.

Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city rich in history and culture, dating back over a thousand years to its founding in 1010 under the Ly Dynasty. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, ancient temples like the Temple of Literature, and vibrant Old Quarter, Hanoi reflects a blend of indigenous traditions and foreign influences from Chinese, French, and Southeast Asian cultures. Today, it remains a bustling political and cultural hub, celebrated for its cuisine, historical landmarks, and dynamic street life.

Phu Tho Province

Phu Tho Province, located in northern Vietnam, is renowned as the ancestral land of the Vietnamese people and the birthplace of the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of the nation. It is home to the Hung Kings Temple Complex, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage site, where the annual Hung Kings Festival celebrates Vietnam’s origins with rituals and traditional performances. The province also features lush landscapes, historic relics, and a rich cultural heritage tied to Vietnam’s early dynasties.

Hoa Binh City

Hoa Binh City is the capital of Hoa Binh Province in northern Vietnam, known for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, particularly of the Muong ethnic minority. The city is historically significant for its role in the Hoa Binh Campaign (1951–1952), a key military operation during the First Indochina War. Today, it is also recognized for the nearby Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Dam, one of the largest in Southeast Asia, which plays a vital role in Vietnam’s energy production.

Supreme People’s Procuracy

The **Supreme People’s Procuracy** is the highest prosecutorial authority in Vietnam, responsible for legal oversight, prosecution, and ensuring compliance with national laws. Established after the 1945 August Revolution, it operates under Vietnam’s socialist legal framework, modeled after similar Soviet-style institutions. It plays a key role in maintaining state control over judicial processes and upholding the rule of law as defined by the Communist Party of Vietnam.