Vietnamese Programmer Arrested in Ice Drug Network Probe
Vietnamese programmer Nguyen Tran Dang Khoa was arrested in Bangkok on July 26 for allegedly managing online accounts used in a transnational ice drug smuggling network that enlisted Thai money mules.
National police arrested Mr. Nguyen Tran Dang Khoa, 37, a Vietnamese national, on July 26, 2025, at a condominium in the Sathorn area. He faces charges of involvement in a transnational criminal organization under arrest warrant 573/2569 from Taling Chan Criminal Court. Police seized three laptop computers, mobile phones, SIM cards, 1.18 million Vietnamese dong, 210,000 Cambodian riel, and 23,060 baht.
Investigation revealed that Khoa withdrew 9,500 baht from accounts linked to Sompong, a previously arrested suspect, before traveling back to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Police identified Khoa as the network's administrator and programmer responsible for managing the accounts used in the ice drug smuggling operation. Computer analysis uncovered backend systems for over 20 Vietnamese online gambling websites, suggesting Khoa maintained these sites. He claimed the withdrawn money was payment for system management work.
The operation involves a Vietnamese group using Thai "mule accounts" for money transfers. Sompong, the account holder, was arrested earlier on July 14, 2025. Khoa denies all allegations, claiming he is an IT engineer employed by a Chinese employer in Dubai and works in gold and stock trading, unrelated to drugs. He asserts the withdrawn funds were translation work payments. Police detained him for further investigation into other network members. Authorities warn the public to be cautious about accepting packages for transport abroad and to report suspicious parcels immediately.
