On 26/12, the Thanh Hoa Provincial Police Investigation Agency announced Thang's arrest and indictment on charges of fraudulent appropriation of property. Authorities allege Thang defrauded bank customers of 3.5 billion VND (approximately 140,000 USD) by misrepresenting loan rollover procedures.

Investigations revealed that Thang, while employed at BIDV, engaged in external business and gambling, accumulating substantial debt. By August, unable to repay these debts, he devised a scheme to defraud clients.

Using his position managing loan applications, Thang identified a 42-year-old customer in Quang Binh commune, Thanh Hoa, with a 2 billion VND loan nearing its due date. On 8/9, Thang instructed the customer to transfer payment to his personal account for debt collection and loan re-disbursement. Thang then appropriated the sum instead of processing the official loan rollover.

Suspect Nguyen Manh Thang. *Photo: Lam Son*.

Similarly, Thang targeted another customer in Hac Thanh ward who had a 4 billion VND loan from 2019, also approaching maturity. Assigned to assist with the file, Thang falsely claimed another client needed funds for a rollover and asked to borrow 1.5 billion VND from this customer, promising repayment the next day. Thang again appropriated the funds after receiving the transfer.

Unable to manage his growing debts, Thang severed contact with parties and fled Thanh Hoa for southern provinces. He surrendered to authorities on 23/12, aware of the accusations against him.

Police are urging anyone who believes they may be a victim of Thang's scheme to contact the Thanh Hoa Provincial Police Investigation Agency Office for assistance.

By Le Hoang