Authorities in Dak Lak have dismantled a sophisticated scam operation that exploited religious faith, leading to financial ruin for many victims. Nguyen Anh Tuan, 39, and Nguyen Thi Nho, 37, a couple from Binh Duong, were arrested for orchestrating a spiritual fraud that amassed over 80 billion VND ($3.2 million).

A fake spiritual retreat hiding a million-dollar scam

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Suspect Nguyen Anh Tuan (center) during the crime scene examination. Photo: Hai Duong.

The scam came to light in January 2025 when police discovered a 6-hectare site in Ea Khal, Ea H’leo District housing a supposed spiritual sanctuary. The couple lured followers by promoting the site as a place of enlightenment, where attendees could fast-track their spiritual journey.

To make their deception convincing, they sold "sacred artifacts" such as mystical beads, enchanted weapons, and ancient relics, falsely claiming they had been blessed by monks and held supernatural powers. These items, which cost only a few million VND on the market, were sold for billions.

The couple did not rely solely on words. They staged miraculous discoveries by burying artifacts on their property and then "finding" them during public ceremonies.

They also created fake email accounts impersonating high-ranking monks, sending messages urging followers to continue their spiritual path by purchasing more relics.

To further establish credibility, they hired an actress to impersonate a famous Buddhist master, "Hoang Milan," who delivered scripted lectures designed to reinforce the fraud.

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Police excavate the site where Tuan and his wife's belongings were buried. Photo: Hai Duong.

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Authorities search the residence of Tuan and Nho. Photo: Hai Duong.

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A sacred object buried by Tuan and Nho in their home's premises. Photo: Hai Duong.

Nguyen Anh Tuan at the time of his arrest. Photo: Hai Duong.

Victims lost entire fortunes in the scam

The scam’s biggest victims included a wealthy couple from Hanoi, H.V.G. and N.T.D., who sold three properties and liquidated two businesses - losing over 50 billion VND - to fund their spiritual pursuit.

Among their purchases was a so-called “712-year-old tiger head” for 1.1 billion VND, meant to protect them from bad luck due to their son’s zodiac sign.

Another victim, N.T.L., also from Hanoi, spent several billion VND on talismans, believing they would bring spiritual ascension and protection from misfortune.

Dak Lak police launched a full-scale investigation, executing simultaneous raids across Binh Duong, Ho Chi Minh City, and Ea H’leo. The crackdown led to the confiscation of:

10 land ownership certificates

Three savings books worth 12 billion VND

A luxury car worth 2.7 billion VND

Two motorbikes

Over 100 million VND in cash

Hundreds of overpriced relics, including beads, swords, and talismans

Investigators confirmed that the couple used the stolen money to buy land, deposit funds in bank accounts, and fund their lavish lifestyle.

Authorities continue to investigate potential additional victims and urge the public to be cautious of any religious group requiring large financial contributions. The case is currently under legal proceedings, with the accused facing charges of fraud and financial deception under Vietnamese law.

Nam Khanh