Police in Duy Xuyen Commune arrested Phan Van Duc, from Ho Chi Minh City, on 9/9 on suspicion of fraud.
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Suspect Phan Van Duc (center) at the time of his arrest. Photo: Anh Thanh |
Suspect Phan Van Duc (center) at the time of his arrest. Photo: Anh Thanh
The scam, orchestrated in late August, involved Duc burying a bronze banana bunch and betel leaf branch plated with gold. He then dug them up, claiming to have unearthed a "treasure".
Duc approached a 59-year-old man in Duy Xuyen Commune with his fabricated "treasure" story, initially suggesting he planned to donate it to a temple. He then offered to trade the banana bunch and betel leaf for the man's 3.2 tael gold necklace.
Duc sold the necklace for 21 million VND and spent the money.
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The banana bunch and betel leaf used by Duc to create his "treasure" story. Photo: Anh Thanh |
The banana bunch and betel leaf used by Duc to create his "treasure" story. Photo: Anh Thanh
After receiving the victim's report, Duy Xuyen Commune Police arrested Duc and returned the recovered proceeds to the victim.
Ngoc Truong
