The Nghe An Provincial People's Court on the afternoon of 25/6 sentenced Sang, 37, for fraudulent appropriation of property under Article 174 of the Penal Code.

During the trial, Sang expressed remorse and admitted to his actions, stating that gambling debts and online football betting losses led him to the fraud scheme.

The court determined that the defendant's actions were especially serious, involving a large sum, and caused a negative impact on society. Therefore, it mandated a strict sentence and ordered full restitution of the appropriated funds.

Defendant Sang in court. Photo: Hung Le

According to the indictment, Sang exploited his position despite knowing that the Yen Thanh District People's Court lacked jurisdiction over foreign-element divorce cases. He provided false information, claiming he could "expedite" such cases to defraud a resident in Dong Nai.

To gain the victim's trust, Sang created fake Zalo accounts. He pretended to send messages about divorce resolutions, citing case numbers, profit-sharing amounts, and complications requiring funds for resolution.

Authorities allege that between October 2024 and February 2025, the victim transferred over 19 billion VND to Sang in 90 installments as facilitation fees. Sang used the money for debt repayment, gambling, and personal expenses. Upon realizing the deception, the victim reported the incident to the police.

Duc Hung