TRANSNATIONAL CYBERCRIME: AN ANALYSIS OF MODUS OPERANDI OF TRANSNATIONAL COMPUTER FRAUD IN VIETNAM

Back to Page Authors: Trong Nguyen Van

Keywords: transnational cybercrime, transnational computer fraud, modus operandi, Vietnam

Abstract: Alongside undisputable benefits, the Internet has facilitated many non-traditional types of crime, called cybercrime. The purpose of this study is to better understand cybercrime, especially transnational computer fraud. Using crime script analysis based on investigation files of 20 real cases and interviews with some members of high-tech crime police forces, the study has shown different stages of transnational computer fraud and the ways in which fraudsters seek to avoid detection of law enforcement agencies. The content analysis of both investigation files and interviews with investigators has found that there are two main kinds of modus operandi of transnational computer fraud in Vietnam including bank card data fraud and phone scams. Bank card data fraud can be subdivided into two main steps involving collecting bank card data illegally, then gaining money from bank card data with online purchases or making fake cards. Whereas, phone scams are implemented by fraudsters with two subgroups consisting of caller subgroup and money mule subgroup. Main modus operandi of phone scams can be split into three steps: recruiting followers, implementing phone scams via VoIP calls, and cashing out money. These two kinds of transnational computer fraud are implemented by a network of at least three fraudsters who use many tricks to reduce the risk of detection and arrest from law enforcement forces. By understanding these processes, the author recommends opportunities for preventing, detecting, and investigating transnational computer fraud.