On 7/12, Da Nang Police provisionally detained Ma Xingfa, 35, a Chinese national, along with Hua Phu Duc, 47, residing in Cam Le ward, Nguyen Thanh Trung, 39, residing in Thanh Khe ward, and Mai Thanh Duy, 34, residing in Ngu Hanh Son ward, Da Nang city. They are under investigation for illegal detention.
Police determined Ma Xingfa had previously carried out at least two similar detentions of debtors, aiming to compel the victims' families in China to pay ransom.
 |
Four suspects under provisional detention. *Photo: Thanh Anh* |
On the evening of 3/12, a Chinese woman reported that her boyfriend, Wang Wenqiang, 35, was suspected of being detained at a hotel on Tran Quoc Hoang street, Ngu Hanh Son ward. Approximately 30 minutes later, the Criminal Police Department, in coordination with Ngu Hanh Son ward Police, inspected the hotel. They discovered Nguyen Thanh Trung, Hua Phu Duc, and two Chinese nationals, Ye Cheng and Wang Wenqiang, in rooms 301 and 305. A quick verification revealed Trung and Duc were hired to detain the victim.
According to the investigation, Wang Wenqiang borrowed 100,000 CNY from Ma Xingfa, who specializes in exchanging "chip cards" for players at the Crown casino. After losing all his money, Wang's passport and visa were confiscated, and he was taken to a hotel in the Hoiana area for detention.
On 1/12, Ma Xingfa instructed Hua Phu Duc and Nguyen Thanh Trung to transfer Wang to Phuong Linh hotel for continued detention. Mai Thanh Duy was hired as an interpreter, with a monthly salary of 30 million VND.
 |
Suspect Ma Xingfa. *Photo: Thanh Anh* |
Drug tests showed Duc and Trung tested positive. Seized evidence included two debt acknowledgements, 9 mobile phones, and one car.
The case is under further investigation.
Ngoc Truong
