On 5/5, the Criminal Police Department of Da Nang City Police announced the emergency detention of six suspects for trafficking persons under 16 and unlawful detention.

The suspects include: Nguyen Thi Diep (36 years old), Tran Thai Bao (20 years old), Duong Minh Thanh (32 years old), Lam Gia Huy (21 years old), Truong Dinh Hieu (36 years old), and Dang Quang Hau (24 years old).

Six suspects arrested. Photo: Thanh Huynh

The investigation began when police identified several karaoke establishments in Da Nang city and its surrounding areas exhibiting signs of illegal recruitment, exchange, and transfer of female staff. On 1/5, investigators received information that a girl born in August 2012, aged 13 years and 9 months, had escaped in late April from the Tuong Vy karaoke bar in the Ly Son special zone, Quang Ngai, where she was allegedly forced to work.

The victim, who was young and traumatized, could only recall the nicknames of her captors, making verification efforts challenging. Despite this, within 12 hours of the report, authorities summoned 11 individuals for questioning.

Initial investigations revealed that Duong Minh Thanh, Tran Thai Bao, and Lam Gia Huy unlawfully detained, assaulted, and forced the girl to work to repay a debt. Subsequently, through the brokerage of Nguyen Thi Diep, the group transferred the victim to Truong Dinh Hieu and Dang Quang Hau, who continued to subject her to forced labor at a karaoke bar in Quang Ngai.

The suspects have admitted their involvement. Police seized numerous documents, electronic data, and financial transactions related to the human trafficking ring.

Ngoc Truong