Cuong, 41, a former director of a commercial joint-stock bank branch, was sentenced to two years in prison for intentionally disclosing operational secrets by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court on 22/4.
During the trial, Cuong admitted to the misconduct as stated in the indictment but claimed he did not intend to commit the crime. He cited his difficult family circumstances, being the main provider, and caring for two young children, requesting a reduced sentence from the court.
The trial panel determined that the indictment against Cuong was accurate, correctly identifying the person and the crime. The sentence was applied after noting several mitigating circumstances: his sincere confession, good personal background, and no profit gained from the criminal act.
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Defendant Tran Huu Cuong at court today. Photo: Binh Nguyen |
According to court documents, Tran Huu Cuong served as a bank branch director from 2022. During his tenure, Cuong became close with a female client who frequently borrowed funds from the bank.
On 26/7/2025, the client contacted Cuong to process a loan application, submitting collateral documents related to two houses in Ho Chi Minh City. During the appraisal process, Cuong discovered that the account of the client's husband, Nguyen Van Dang, 27, was being investigated by the Ho Chi Minh City Police's Criminal Police Department. This investigation was part of a broader inquiry into a loan shark ring operated by Lam Thi Thu Em, 54, also known as "Ma Hanh", who is Dang's mother.
Cuong subsequently sent text messages and Zalo images of the investigative agency's official letter to the female client. Upon receiving the information, the client showed it to Dang. Dang then sought advice from several people regarding the letter's content and proceeded to delete all phone data related to his loan shark activities to avoid detection.
In response to the investigating agency, the bank stated that its process for providing customer information is strictly internal. It does not permit employees to disclose or transfer official requests from competent authorities to customers or related individuals.
On 14/8/2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Police's Criminal Police Department initiated legal proceedings against Cuong, releasing him on bail during the investigation and trial.
Binh Nguyen
