Ho Chi Minh City Police Crack Down on Social Media Disinformation Campaign Targeting Former Police Chief
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – In a decisive move against online disinformation, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department has apprehended two individuals accused of disseminating false information about Lieutenant General Le Hong Nam, the former director of the city’s police force. The arrests underscore the growing concern over the spread of fabricated narratives on social media platforms and the potential damage they can inflict on individuals and institutions. The case also highlights the legal ramifications for those who exploit online spaces to spread misinformation and defame public figures.
The two suspects, identified as Tran Nhu Phuoc, 38, from Khanh Hoa province, and Ngo Son Ha, 51, from Lam Dong province, are accused of leveraging social media to amplify baseless allegations initially propagated by convicted influencer Nguyen Phuong Hang. Hang, currently serving a prison sentence for abusing democratic freedoms, had previously made unsubstantiated claims regarding General Nam’s retirement, which authorities confirmed was initiated in accordance with standard procedures on June 1, 2025, as part of a nationwide restructuring of provincial police leadership.
The disinformation campaign, which unfolded primarily on the popular video-sharing platform TikTok, involved the creation and dissemination of manipulated videos featuring images of senior officials, including General Nam. These videos employed sensationalized titles to attract viewership and embedded false narratives criticizing the government’s personnel decisions, the restructuring of the public service, and the legal proceedings against Hang. The suspects’ TikTok accounts, "phuoc79" and "SonHa2," respectively, served as conduits for these fabricated claims, reaching thousands of users and potentially fueling public confusion and distrust.
The Ho Chi Minh City Police, upon detecting the online campaign, launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Working in coordination with local authorities in Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong provinces, they identified and subsequently arrested Phuoc and Ha. Both individuals are now facing charges under Article 331 of the 2015 Penal Code, which addresses the abuse of democratic freedoms to infringe upon the lawful interests of the state, organizations, or individuals. This legal provision aims to strike a balance between protecting freedom of expression and preventing its misuse for malicious purposes such as spreading disinformation and defamation.
The arrests send a strong message about the government’s commitment to combating online disinformation, particularly when it targets public figures and institutions. While upholding freedom of speech as a fundamental right, the authorities emphasized that such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law. The case serves as a cautionary tale for social media users, underscoring the potential legal consequences of spreading false information and engaging in online defamation.
This incident also raises broader concerns about the role of social media in disseminating misinformation and its potential impact on public trust and social stability. The ease with which false narratives can be crafted, amplified, and disseminated online presents a significant challenge for governments worldwide. The Ho Chi Minh City Police’s proactive approach in addressing this issue highlights the importance of vigilance and swift action in combating online disinformation campaigns and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The case further emphasizes the need for media literacy and critical thinking among social media users to discern credible information from fabricated content. As online platforms continue to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping public opinion and discourse, the responsibility to ensure the accuracy and integrity of information shared online becomes paramount.