Seven alleged operators of HiAnime have been arrested in Vietnam, according to the supplied report. The site is described by the source as the world’s largest anime piracy streaming platform, and the arrests follow a multi-year investigation involving Vietnamese and U.S. authorities.
The group is accused of running more than 100 websites and uploading over 26,000 films without authorisation. The report says the network operated from 2020 until April 2026 and generated about $12.85 million in advertising revenue across its sites.
The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment confirmed the arrests on July 2, 2026, with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Justice credited as supporting the case. Four suspects are reported to be in custody, while three others are restricted from leaving their residence as the investigation continues.
For anime, gaming, and online fandom communities, the case underlines the growing pressure on large piracy networks and the wider debate over access, licensing, and enforcement. Editors should treat this as a developing legal matter until primary documents or official local filings are reviewed.
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