On 10/3, Ho Chi Minh City Police announced they are expanding their investigation into Phan Anh Duy, 36, and his wife, Pham Thi Nhu Quynh, 33, for fraud and appropriation of property. The couple is accused of impersonating a police captain and a bank employee to swindle money from numerous acquaintances.

Phan Anh Duy and Pham Thi Nhu Quynh at the investigating agency. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

According to the investigation, the couple, burdened by accumulated debt, conspired to create a fraud scheme. They targeted acquaintances needing assistance with legal or administrative procedures.

In his 'role,' Duy introduced himself as working for the Southern Ministry of Public Security, claiming close ties with many leaders. To build trust, he ordered a fake police captain's insignia and name tag online. He often carried a fake gun, which was a lighter, to further his deception.

Quynh assisted her husband by posing as a bank employee. She claimed she could influence leaders to process loan applications or financial procedures. In reality, she had been dismissed from her job prior to this.

Using deceptive information, the couple promised to help victims resolve their issues. They demanded large upfront payments and promised refunds if the work was unsuccessful. However, after receiving the money, they performed no procedures, instead appropriating the funds for personal expenses and debt repayment.

When victims inquired about the progress, Duy and Quynh repeatedly offered various excuses to prolong the process or pretended the work was being handled.

Investigators determined this was a deceptive scheme to appropriate property from many people. Following the investigation, police arrested the couple and urged anyone who transferred money to Phan Anh Duy and Pham Thi Nhu Quynh to contact them promptly to report the incident and protect their interests.

Members of the public can directly contact the Ho Chi Minh City Police Investigative Agency at 47 Thanh Thai street, Dien Hong ward, TP HCM, and speak with investigator Bach Hong Phuoc (Team 4, PC01 Department) or call 0903.838.591.

Quoc Thang