Among the 63 individuals brought to trial, 5 foreigners with Korean, Chinese, and Japanese nationalities were sentenced to prison for gambling. The court ordered their deportation after serving their sentences.

On the afternoon of August 15, two “ringleaders” of the poker gambling operation at Lucas Palace club—Trần Xuân Minh (35 years old) and Đào Anh Dũng (33 years old)—were sentenced by the Hanoi People’s Court to 6 years in prison and fined 50 million VND each.

Both were convicted of organizing a gambling den frequented by foreigners at Lucas Palace club.

For the same charge, 20 others received suspended sentences ranging from 2 years to 4 years in prison.

In the gambling group, 41 individuals were sentenced to suspended terms of 20 months up to 3 years in prison. Among them, the youngest was a 21-year-old university student in Hanoi, while the oldest included Trần Công Sáng (51, a former official at the Vietnam Maritime Administration) and Nguyễn Thế Dũng (45, a former officer at the Institute of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Public Security).

Five foreigners—Kim Byung Chul (South Korea), Leem Dong Huyn (South Korea), Lee Yi Cheng (China), Harada Naoto (Japan), and Tung Tzu Hsiang (Taiwan, China)—were sentenced to 2 to 3.5 years in prison and will be deported after serving their sentences.

Advertising tactics to lure foreign gamblers

The gambling ring was uncovered nearly two years ago. On October 15, 2023, an investigative team from the Ministry of Public Security raided Lucas Palace club in Hanoi, catching multiple individuals organizing and participating in poker gambling for money in VIP rooms on the third floor.

In VIP Room 1, authorities caught Mai Hoàng Phương Trang dealing cards to a group of 5 foreigners and 4 Vietnamese playing poker for money.

In VIP Room 3, Phạm Thị Hoàng Anh was dealing cards to a group of 7 people, including Trần Công Sáng, for poker gambling.

According to the indictment, Minh and Dũng managed the club and organized poker gambling for profit.

Since March 2022, Minh and Dũng had advertised and recruited gamblers to Lucas Palace club.

To attract players, the ringleaders assigned Ngô Thị Quỳnh to manage the club’s Facebook account, posting promotional content, tournament schedules, and handling member registrations and check-ins.

Unwritten rule skimming winners’ profits

gambling - Image 3.

Daily, Minh’s group organized gambling sessions from 2 PM to midnight. Players exchanged cash for chips to bet, with each chip representing a set monetary value.

An unwritten rule required winners to pay 5% of their winnings to the club as a “fee.”

Among the players, Giang Tiến Dũng (40, Hanoi) had the highest winnings. Previously sentenced to 4.5 years for gambling in 2019, he participated in 7 sessions at Lucas Palace, betting between 81 million and 231 million VND, profiting over 266 million VND.

Among foreign players, Kim Byung Chul (South Korea) was accused of gambling in 10 sessions, betting between 80 million and 301 million VND, with profits of 172 million VND.

From March 2022 to October 2023, Minh’s group profited over 2.8 billion VND, with Minh and Dũng each pocketing 400 million VND.

Five foreigners—from South Korea, Japan, and China—along with 60 others were tried for organizing and participating in poker gambling at Lucas Palace club.

Lucas Palace club

Lucas Palace Club is a popular nightlife and entertainment venue, though specific historical details about its founding or cultural significance are not widely documented. It is known for hosting vibrant events, live music, and DJ performances, catering to a dynamic crowd. If it has local cultural relevance, it may be tied to the nightlife scene of its city, but further research would be needed for a deeper historical context.

Hanoi People’s Court

The Hanoi People’s Court is a key judicial institution in Vietnam, responsible for adjudicating legal cases in the capital. Established after Vietnam’s independence, it operates under the national judicial system, reflecting the socialist legal framework. The court handles civil, criminal, and administrative cases, playing a central role in upholding law and order in Hanoi.

Vietnam Maritime Administration

The Vietnam Maritime Administration (VINAMARINE) is a government agency under the Ministry of Transport, responsible for managing and regulating maritime activities in Vietnam. Established to oversee seaports, shipping, and maritime safety, it plays a key role in the country’s economic development by ensuring efficient and secure maritime operations. Its history is tied to Vietnam’s growing emphasis on modernizing its maritime infrastructure and expanding international trade.

Institute of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Public Security

The Institute of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Public Security is a key research and development institution in China, focusing on advanced technologies to support national security and law enforcement. Established to enhance public safety and crime prevention, it plays a vital role in developing forensic, cybersecurity, and surveillance technologies. Its work aligns with China’s broader efforts to modernize policing and maintain social stability through innovation.

Ministry of Public Security

The **Ministry of Public Security (MPS)** is a government agency in China responsible for maintaining public order, law enforcement, and domestic security. Established in 1949 after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it oversees police forces, counterterrorism, immigration, and cybersecurity. The MPS plays a key role in implementing state security policies and ensuring social stability.

Facebook

Facebook is a social media platform founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates at Harvard University. Originally created as a networking site for students, it quickly expanded globally, becoming one of the largest social media platforms with billions of users. Facebook has played a significant role in shaping online communication, digital marketing, and social interactions, though it has also faced controversies over privacy, data security, and misinformation.

VIP Room 1

“VIP Room 1” is a private, exclusive space often found in entertainment venues, clubs, or high-end restaurants, designed to offer luxury and privacy to distinguished guests. While its specific history varies by location, such rooms have long been associated with elite social circles, providing a secluded area for celebrities, executives, or VIPs to enjoy personalized service away from the public. The concept reflects a broader cultural emphasis on exclusivity and status in social and business environments.

VIP Room 3

“VIP Room 3” appears to be a private or exclusive lounge area, possibly within a nightclub, entertainment venue, or high-end establishment. Without specific historical or cultural details, it is likely designed to offer premium services, privacy, or luxury experiences for distinguished guests. If associated with a notable venue, its significance may stem from hosting celebrities, exclusive events, or unique design elements.