Former Phu Quoc police chief sentenced to 18 years in prison

Le Van Mot, former police chief of Phu Quoc City, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for fraud, while his "adopted sister" Nguyen Thi Hang received a combined 30-year sentence for two offenses.

On the morning of 18/9, the An Giang Province People's Court sentenced Mot to a much longer term than the 14-16 years previously recommended by the prosecutor for property fraud.

Hang received 20 years for fraud and 10 years for money laundering, totaling 30 years in prison—the maximum sentence for a fixed-term imprisonment. The prosecutor had sought a life sentence for her.

Regarding accusations and reports of victims transferring money to the defendants for land documentation and transactions, the judicial panel found insufficient evidence to determine all related funds and cash flows. It recommended that the investigative agency continue verification and proceed with further action if warranted.

Le Van Mot and Nguyen Thi Hang at the trial on 18/9. *Photo: An Phu*

In 2021, while serving as Phu Quoc City's police chief, Mot met Hang and accepted her as his "adopted sister". The two then collaborated on several cases involving forest land, including accepting money to process land documents despite knowing these could not be completed, thereby building trust to induce others to transfer funds.

Hang was accused of receiving money from multiple victims, while Mot assisted or directly participated in some cases.

According to the indictment, 4 victims transferred nearly 60 billion VND to Hang, and Mot received 8 billion VND. Hang was also accused of defrauding 6 other individuals of approximately 30 billion VND.

Court: Mot used his position and reputation to build trust

At the trial, Mot denied the charges, rejecting any discussion or agreement with Hang.

However, the judicial panel stated that objective evidence showed both defendants had a unified intent during the commission of the crimes. Mot, with his position, reputation, and connections, was primarily responsible for making promises and building trust with victims, while Hang signed contracts and received money. Each participated at different stages with distinct roles.

"Only the unified will and actions of both enabled the successful execution of the fraud", the judicial panel concluded.

The court determined the total amount defrauded by the defendants exceeded 67 billion VND. Their actions were extremely dangerous to society, infringing upon the property rights of multiple victims and disrupting state financial management, causing exceptionally severe consequences, thus warranting strict punishment.

Regarding Hang, the judicial panel determined she played an active role in receiving money from victims, then transferring funds, purchasing real estate, and conducting transactions to conceal the origin of the money.

However, Hang's honest testimony and voluntary admission of her actions contributed to the swift resolution of the case, leading to a reduction in her sentence.

After deducting the compensated amount, the judicial panel ordered Mot and Hang to jointly compensate the victims 44,5 billion VND.