Dong Thap Provincial Police announced on 7/1 the arrest and temporary detention of Pham Xuan Chieu and five accomplices, aged 26-34, all from Ninh Binh. They face charges of intentional destruction of property, with investigators also probing other criminal activities by the group.

Scene of the house attacked with paint and dirty substances by the gang. Photo: Phuoc Thanh

Investigations revealed Chieu's group operated a predatory lending scheme. For example, a 3 million VND loan required daily payments of 150,000 VND over 25 days. Upon disbursing funds, Chieu would deduct a 150,000 VND fee and an additional 300,000 VND for the first two days of payments.

Since 6/2025, numerous debtors, either unable to make payments or having fled, became targets of the gang. Members would visit their homes or those of their relatives, throwing beer bottles, dirty substances, fish sauce, and paint to intimidate and pressure them into repayment.

The arrested gang. Photo: Phuoc Thanh

The Criminal Police Department, in coordination with Binh Hoa Commune Police in An Giang province, launched an investigation that led to the arrest of Chieu and his accomplices. Authorities seized various pieces of evidence during the operation.

Investigators urge any victims to contact the Provincial Police's Criminal Police Department for assistance and resolution.

Phuoc Thanh