USA – Luu Tu Bao, President of the Vietnam Boxing Federation (VBF), is under suspicion of being Bao Tu Luu, the alleged ringleader of a transnational crime syndicate that attempted to smuggle 178 kilograms of cocaine into Australia between 2016 and 2017.
Rumors about Bao’s arrest surfaced after months of silence from him. On September 4, the VBF held an emergency meeting and confirmed Bao could no longer perform his duties due to ongoing legal issues in the United States. The federation announced plans to hold an extraordinary congress to elect a new president.
According to San Francisco Public Safety News (June 30), the U.S. District Court in San Francisco is reviewing Australia’s extradition request for a man named “Bao Tu Luu,” whose identity matches that of Luu Tu Bao. The outlet also published a photo of Bao from an October 2023 boxing event in Ho Chi Minh City.
Court filings allege that Bao Tu Luu—also known as Chris Luu, “Big Brother,” or “BB”—was wanted by Australian authorities for conspiracy to import cocaine across borders. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) describe him as the leader of the smuggling network, working with associates across Australia, Canada, Colombia, Panama, and Vietnam.
Investigators say Bao directly supervised operations, financed shipments, and even met undercover agents in Ho Chi Minh City. Recorded conversations and encrypted text exchanges reportedly show him acknowledging his role as the group’s leader.
In April 2025, Luu was arrested in Santa Clara County, California, after traveling to the Bay Area for a funeral. He appeared in federal court on June 30, where he confirmed his identity and heard the charges. A U.S. judge ordered him detained pending further hearings, with the next scheduled for January 29, 2026. If extradited and convicted in Australia, he could face life imprisonment.
Who is Luu Tu Bao?
Luu, 49, was elected President of the Vietnam Boxing Federation in October 2023 and also served as Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Mixed Martial Arts Federation and CEO of Saigon Sports Club. He was awarded an honorary belt by the WBA Asia in 2023 for his contributions to boxing.
Earlier this year, Bao left Vietnam for the U.S., citing family matters. Since then, VBF members had struggled to reach him. Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture and Sports is now coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to verify his legal situation abroad.
Source: Vietnam Insider