Law and Crime

Laos Arrests More Than 550 in August Scam Crackdown

Laos has detained more than 550 people in raids targeting online scams and illegal gambling operations so far in August, as authorities step up a nationwide crackdown that has now netted more than 1,100 suspects since mid-July. The latest figures come after a series of raids across Vientiane Capital and...

Laos Seizes Nearly 1.8 Tonnes of Suspected Ivory, Black Panther Remains in Bolikhamxay Raid

On 16 August, Lao authorities detained 11 foreign nationals in connection with a wildlife...

Vientiane Authorities Detain Nearly 400 in Cybercrime Raids in Early-to-Mid August

Vientiane authorities have detained nearly 400 suspects in three separate raids since the start...

Laos Authorities Arrest Four in Alleged Marriage Trafficking Network

On 23 July, Lao authorities arrested four people suspected of operating a human trafficking...

Police Detain 261 Foreign Nationals in Thatluang Lake SEZ Scam Raid

On 8 August, Vientiane police raided a telecommunications fraud and online gambling operation at...

Southeast Asia Ramps Up Drug Control as Laos, Myanmar Destroy Massive Stashes on International Anti-Drug Day

Laos marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June with nationwide drug-burning ceremonies, showcasing its ongoing anti-narcotics efforts and...

Dutch National Caught with Heroin at Wattay Airport Ahead of Belgium Flight

On 25 June, customs officers at Wattay International Airport arrested a 70-year-old Dutch national after discovering nearly three kilograms of heroin concealed in his...

Two Lao Nationals Detained in Thailand with Wildlife Carcasses in Trafficking Crackdown

Thai officials have arrested two Lao nationals caught trafficking over 100 kilograms of wildlife carcasses in Chiang Rai Province, near the Lao-Thai border on...

World Drug Day: Laos Steps Up Fight Against Drug Abuse, Trafficking

Each year on 26 June, the world observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.  The day,...

Vietnam Abolishes Death Penalty for Spying, Anti-state Activities

AFP - Vietnam has abolished the death penalty for eight crimes, including espionage, graft, and attempting to overthrow the government, state media said on...

Vietnam Approves New Law Allowing Foreign Spouses to Gain Citizenship Without Residency

Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens will now be eligible for Vietnamese citizenship without having to meet previous residency, language, or financial requirements, following a...