Lao authorities detained 41 people during three separate raids on rented homes in Vientiane Capital in early November.

Police investigated suspected cybercrime and online gambling operations, according to local media reports.

A Ministry of Public Security task force carried out the operations across Xaythany, Sisattanak, and Saysettha districts. Those detained included 16 Japanese nationals, 13 Bangladeshi nationals, 11 Thai nationals, and one Lao national.

Across the three properties, officers reportedly seized 87 mobile phones, 32 desktop computers, and four tablets.

In Xaythany district, the task force raided a rented house in Nalom village and detained 16 Japanese nationals, according to Laophattana News. Authorities suspected that the property served as a base for cybercrime.

Officers seized 55 mobile phones and four tablets from the house. Investigators were working to identify others who may have taken part in the suspected operation, including potential accomplices.

Earlier Arrests

In a separate operation in Sisattanak district, the task force searched a rented house that authorities suspected housed an online gambling operation.

Officers detained 11 Thai nationals and one Lao national and seized 11 mobile phones and 20 desktop computers, according to Lao state media.

Meanwhile, a nighttime raid on 7 November led officers to another rental property in Hong Souphap village, Saysettha district.

There, the task force detained 13 Bangladeshi nationals. Officers also seized 21 mobile phones and 12 desktop computers.

Investigators are following up on that case to identify other people who may have helped run the suspected cybercrime operation.

The available reports describe three separate cases. They do not establish whether the groups had any connection or identify the alleged victims, financial losses, or specific charges against the detainees.