The Ho Chi Minh City People's Procuracy (VKSND TP HCM) finalized the indictment of Hoang Sy Thang and 226 other individuals on 2/4. The case has been forwarded to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court (TAND TP HCM) for prosecution on a range of serious charges. These charges include illegally transporting narcotics, illegally trading narcotics, organizing illegal drug use, illegally possessing narcotics, failure to report a crime, concealing a crime, and illegally possessing property.

Among those indicted in the large-scale drug trafficking ring are several notable figures. Singer Nguyen Trung Hieu, widely known as Chi Dan, along with his 44-year-old brother Nguyen Trung Tin, and Nguyen Do Truc Phuong, often referred to as "charity fairy", face charges of organizing illegal drug use. Additionally, Nguyen Thi An, also known as model An Tay and a Spanish national, is accused of organizing illegal drug use and illegally possessing narcotics. Four other defendants are currently fugitives and will be tried in absentia.

Singer Chi Dan when arrested. Photo: Public Security provided

This extensive investigation, designated case code VN10, was established in 2023. It originated from the discovery of four flight attendants attempting to smuggle drugs into Vietnam. Prosecutors have classified this as a particularly serious and organized criminal case, involving a large number of defendants and operating across multiple provinces and cities. The defendants employed sophisticated methods, with clearly defined roles, leveraging online platforms and electronic transactions for the illegal trade and transportation of narcotics.

During the investigation, under the direction of the Supreme People's Procuracy, Ho Chi Minh City's procedural agencies significantly expanded their efforts. This expansion aimed to thoroughly address all related suspects and ensure no criminals evaded justice. Since the initial prosecution, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Investigation Agency (PC04) has consolidated a total of 20 cases, encompassing 228 defendants. The merging of cases and the expanded investigation were conducted based on collected evidence and strictly adhered to criminal procedure regulations.

As part of the investigation oversight, on 13/1, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Procuracy returned the case file for additional investigation. This step was taken to clarify the actions and roles of each defendant and to strengthen the evidence. Subsequently, the investigative agency resumed its work, continuing to track suspects, including the four individuals who remain fugitives. The Ho Chi Minh City Police Investigation Agency issued its investigation conclusion on 13/3, recommending the indictment of 227 defendants, a figure that includes the four fugitives.

Beyond the defendants named in this indictment, the expanded investigation, drawing upon collected evidence and intelligence, has led to a much broader impact. City-level procedural agencies have initiated and investigated a total of 477 cases, involving 2,776 defendants. Additionally, 264 individuals have faced administrative penalties. Authorities seized a substantial quantity of various narcotics, approximately 596 kg, along with numerous weapons and support tools, including guns, grenades, ammunition, and other exhibits.

Investigations into cases arising from this expansion are ongoing. Authorities continue to clarify the roles of each suspect and trace all individuals involved in the criminal network and organizations, ensuring thorough legal processing in accordance with the law.

Hai Duyen