While the media agency presented itself as a legitimate SEO and traffic-boosting firm, its operations predominantly facilitated unlicensed gambling websites.
Police in Hanoi have initiated criminal proceedings against numerous staff members of SEO media agency Super Thi Seo Media Services Co Ltd for providing illegal information to black market operators, through online networks.
The company’s young CEO, Pham Ngoc Manh, alongside 17 managers and employees of the agency, was detained in the investigation.
Investigators asserted that while the company outwardly presented itself as a legitimate SEO and traffic-boosting firm, its operations predominantly facilitated unlicensed gambling websites.
A front for illegal gambling promotion
According to a police statement reported by Vietnamnet, Super Thi Seo operated as a structured enterprise comprising distinct teams for marketing, search optimisation, information technology, customer service and back-linking.
Police contend the firm’s core purpose was to elevate illegal gambling platforms in search rankings and drive traffic towards these sites, rather than supporting ordinary commercial clients.
Authorities revealed that Pham Ngoc Manh managed 41 electronic wallets for receiving payments in USDT cryptocurrency. Furthermore, the company paid its employee salaries mainly in cash. Police said this tactic was designed to obscure financial trails and complicate enforcement efforts.
Cash and crypto assets seized
As part of the investigation, law enforcement confiscated more than VND7 billion ($268,000) in cash and assets converted from cryptocurrency.
Additionally, a savings account containing VND3 billion was frozen. Investigators also seized 29 computers and 41 mobile phones during the raids.
Police estimate that from the beginning of 2026, the company had generated approximately VND3.7 billion by promoting and improving search visibility for 22 Vietnamese-language gambling websites.
Notably, these gambling platforms lacked official licences, placing them outside regulatory compliance.
Similar raids have happened across the continent, with Indonesian police recently uncovering an online gambling network involving 320 foreign nationals.
According to a local report, the syndicate operated a structured hierarchy in a commercial building in West Jakarta. Police officers arrested the suspects while actively conducting illegal online gambling activities.
Ongoing investigation
Authorities have extended travel restrictions to an additional 15 individuals connected to the case as investigations continue. The proceedings are ongoing and officials have not disclosed whether further charges will be pursued.
Official police communication characterised the offence under the scope of “illegally providing information through computer and telecommunications networks”, specifying that the company’s services involved “search engine optimisation, website ranking and traffic generation” linked to prohibited gambling sites.
Vietnam recently began the process of allowing locals to access casinos, with the Grand Ho Tram being the first to open its doors to the local community in January.
