On the morning of 20/8, after a one-day trial, the Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Court returned the case file concerning the embezzlement of assets at the Sacombank Cam Ranh transaction office, which is part of Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank, Khanh Hoa Branch (now Saigon Tai Loc Commercial Joint Stock Bank).

The defendants include Vo Viet Luan, 46, former deputy branch director and head of Sacombank Cam Ranh transaction office; Nguyen Thi Thanh Ha, 47, former deputy director; Ngo Thi Hong Nhan, 45, former cashier; and Nguyen Tra My, 27, and Ngo Nu Hong Hai, 39, both former tellers.

The Judicial Council demanded clarification on the use of funds withdrawn by the defendants on 12/8, 16/9, and 23/9/2022. It also sought to compare their testimonies to ascertain the nature of their actions.

The court also sought to clarify whether the loss of over 17 billion dong resulted from banking operational violations that led to a fund deficit.

The Judicial Council noted that during the investigation, there were repeated recommendations to change the charges. At the trial, the council found the evidence insufficient, leading to the case file being returned for additional investigation.

Sacombank's Cam Ranh transaction office, in 5/2025. Photo: Tuong Vy

According to the indictment, while serving as head of Sacombank Cam Ranh transaction office, defendant Luan approved and proposed loans for the business operations of Nhat Tung Co., Ltd., a company founded by Nguyen Cong Tung and directed by Nguyen Quoc Ha Quyen. Luan reportedly had close ties with the company.

Aware that Nhat Tung needed funds for business operations and to settle maturing loans at Sacombank, Luan instructed Ha to mobilize money from 21 customers who had deposited funds at the transaction office. These individuals possessed idle capital and sought higher interest rates than those offered by the bank.

As per the agreement, Ha directly borrowed money from customers, providing cash or depositing funds to roll over, pay principal, and calculate interest for Nhat Tung's loans, both within Sacombank and from external sources.

Ha tracked the funds and signed loan agreements with Ms. Quyen. External loan interest rates were calculated daily or monthly, ranging from 4,5% to 7% per month, which is equivalent to 0,15-0,24% per day.

Despite multiple commitments, Nhat Tung failed to repay the loan principal and interest. By 10/2022, the outstanding debt at the Cam Ranh transaction office for the company and 17 related individuals totaled 86,7 billion dong.

External loans, as confirmed by both parties by the end of 8/2022, amounted to approximately 175 billion dong, comprising 68 billion dong in principal and 107 billion dong in interest.

Luan faced accusations of abusing his position, disregarding banking regulations, and colluding to enable Ha to use customer payment and savings account information. This allowed them to create fraudulent documents and withdrawal slips.

A portion of the funds was used to repay principal and interest on external loans from the group of 21 customers, linked to Nhat Tung Company's business operations and debt repayment, as well as related individuals.

Investigating authorities determined that on 12/8, 16/9, and 23/9/2022, the defendants embezzled funds, causing a total loss of 17,3 billion dong to Sacombank.

The defendants were prosecuted under point a, clause 4, Article 353 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of 20 years in prison, life imprisonment, or the death penalty. To date, they have collectively compensated the bank 980 million dong, with Luan contributing 60 million dong, Ha 100 million dong, Nhan 800 million dong, and Hai 20 million dong.

Bui Toan