On 29/7, a Hanoi court sentenced 45 defendants after a 9-day trial for extortion related to seven debt collection companies owned by the fugitive Le Quoc Thong, 47.

The court deemed the defendants' actions a danger to society. They used multiple phone numbers to make incessant calls, sent abusive messages, and threatened relatives and colleagues of borrowers, even those not involved in the loans, to pressure borrowers into repayment.

Presiding Judge Nguyen Ngoc Huan delivering the verdict on the afternoon of 29/7. Photo: Danh Lam

The court identified Tran Hong Tien, 51, as the mastermind, and sentenced him to the highest term of 12 years and 6 months.

Department heads and team leaders received sentences ranging from 5 years and 6 months to 11 years. Debt collectors received sentences from 30 months to 5 years, depending on the amount extorted. No one received a suspended sentence.

The defendants have fully repaid the extorted funds.

During the trial, the defendants admitted their actions, claiming ignorance of the law due to limited understanding. Directors, deputy directors, and team leaders denied instructing employees to use abusive language, threats, or manipulated obscene images of debtors.

Company leaders also claimed that most cases involved "legal debt collection" with amicable and willing agreements. They stated that many borrowers were even offered reduced interest rates, with only the principal collected to facilitate faster repayment. They cited pressure and partial blame on uncooperative borrowers who provoked their employees.

The defendants listening to the verdict on the afternoon of 29/7. Photo: Danh Lam

In 2018, Thong purchased 238,160 unsecured personal loan accounts from a company for 12-15% of their total value (3,500 billion VND) and received the borrowers' personal information. He then established seven companies and recruited employees to begin collections.

Each employee was assigned a monthly quota of 400-500 individuals. The 103 employees, mostly aged 20-30, were divided into 11 teams, each with a monetary "KPI." Employees failing to meet their quota for two consecutive months were fired.

Team leaders urged their staff to aggressively pursue collections to achieve sales targets and earn commission percentages. The company also provided an automated call center system and voice modulation software.

Through these "psychological terrorism" tactics, Thong's "corporation" collected 571 billion VND. However, only 26 victims have been identified so far, with a total of 904 million VND extorted.

The 26 victims did not appear in court, but expressed a common desire for strict punishment and did not seek compensation.

Authorities have delegated the remaining cases to provincial police for further investigation and separate processing.

Thong remains at large, and investigators have separated his case for processing upon capture.

Hai Thu