The initiative, called the “Anonymous digital mailbox for reporting crimes and illegal border crossings”, launched by the Na Cô Sa Border Post, is becoming a powerful digital bridge between people living along the border and law enforcement forces.

Nestled in remote valleys where the Huổi Thủng stream quietly flows day and night, life in these villages is still full of hardships. Isolated by rugged terrain, sparsely populated, and marked by uneven educational levels, these areas present many challenges when it comes to detecting and reporting legal violations. In many cases, incidents occur, but locals remain silent - partly due to fear of involvement or reprisals, and partly because they do not know how to report what they have seen.

“I once saw a stranger passing through the forest near our village. I heard he came from across the border, but I did not tell anyone”,  said Thào A Chinh, a resident of Na Cô Sa 3 hamlet. “I did not know who he was - what if he found out I reported him?”.

This situation is all too common in remote villages. The Na Cô Sa Border Post recognized the problem - and decided to use technology to break down the barriers between officials and residents.

Captain Đỗ Xuân Điềm, Deputy political officer at the post, explained: “There are many trails along the border in our area, and people live scattered across the mountains. So to monitor the situation and combat crime, we have to be creative. By integrating digital technology into our community engagement, we can connect with people more quickly and effectively”.

Since early 2024, the station has implemented the “Anonymous digital mailbox” model. Posters featuring QR codes have been placed in community centers, schools, and healthcare stations - anywhere villagers frequently visit. With a smartphone, residents simply open the camera, scan the QR code, fill out an online form, and hit send.

“We want residents to stop thinking of themselves as informants and start seeing themselves as guardians of their own village’s peace”, said Captain Điềm.

All reports are sent directly and securely to a dedicated email account managed by the station - no intermediaries, no names, no authentication required.

“I did not think it would be that easy”, said Hạng A Vàng from Huổi Thủng 1 hamlet. “Last time, my nephew showed me how to scan the code with my phone. I just typed a few lines and hit send. No paperwork, no need to meet anyone. And the best part is, I feel safe - because no one knows who sent the tip. That is why people feel confident speaking up”.

Since its launch, the system has received nearly 50 reports. Thanks to the quiet cooperation of residents, the border guards have confiscated two homemade guns, dealt with two petty thefts, and identified and deported six individuals who were residing illegally.

“Reports now come in much faster than before, especially compared to waiting for someone to check the traditional suggestion boxes, which is often delayed during bad weather or when remote villages are cut off”, Captain Điềm noted.

This digital transformation not only makes it easier for people to share information, but also enhances the effectiveness of crime prevention and public security efforts along the border.

Behind every QR scan is a story of trust. The border guards don’t just receive tips - they receive a form of partnership.

“Without the help of local people, we would not know everything going on in this vast forest. Once trust is established, the villagers take the initiative to report issues - they help protect security like it is their own home”, Captain Điềm emphasized. “We are not just receiving information, we are receiving trust. And that trust is what keeps this model alive, strong, and growing”.

Looking ahead, the station plans to continue working with local authorities and the commune’s Youth Union to raise awareness and train especially older residents on how to use the digital mailbox. Additional QR posters will be placed in areas with mobile signal access, along with bilingual instructions to improve accessibility.