Zhao Xin, 40, along with Tran Phan Vu Thanh, Duong Thuy Ai, and Nguyen Khanh Vi, will face trial at the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court for kidnapping for ransom.

This particular case, which occurred in the former Binh Duong (now Ho Chi Minh City), drew public attention.

Zhao Xin at the police investigation agency. *Yen Khanh*

Wealthy Chinese businessman becomes compatriot's 'prey'

According to the indictment, needing money, in early 12/2023, Zhao Xin discussed with Thanh finding a Chinese national living and working in Binh Duong to kidnap for ransom. During two visits to Lao Tuong Hy restaurant, Zhao Xin observed Mr. Ming, 44, director of a furniture manufacturing company in Tan Binh town (Bac Tan Uyen district), who appeared financially well-off. Zhao Xin and Thanh then tracked him to plan the abduction.

On the evening of 20/12/2023, upon seeing Mr. Ming at the restaurant, Zhao Xin called Thanh to monitor him. Early the next morning, as the businessman drove his car away, Thanh, with Zhao Xin on his motorbike, followed for about 10 km before cutting off the car.

As Mr. Ming stepped out of his car, Thanh identified himself as a police officer, demanded a breathalyzer test, then used a stun gun to subdue him, forcing the victim into the back seat of the car.

The 4,5 billion VND ransom money recovered from Zhao Xin. *Yen Khanh*

Zhao Xin then messaged Ai, asking Vi to come and drive the motorbike back. Zhao Xin and Thanh drove Mr. Ming's car to a vacant plot in Hoa Phu ward (Thu Dau Mot City). Leaving Thanh to guard the victim, Zhao Xin walked to a nearby rented room, retrieved a pre-rented pickup truck, and returned with Vi.

There, Vi subdued and put Mr. Ming into the pickup truck, while Zhao Xin drove the victim's car, taking Thanh to hide it about 54 km away. The group took the victim to a workshop Ai had rented in Hoa Phu ward, tied his hands and feet, blindfolded him, and locked him in the pickup truck's bed.

The kidnappers demanded Mr. Ming call Mr. Xu Feng (a colleague) to bring 4,5 billion VND for his "ransom". Mr. Xu Feng informed another female colleague and the victim's elder brother, then together they reported the incident to Binh Duong Provincial Police.

Deeming the incident exceptionally serious, authorities implemented measures and coordinated with the family to ensure the victim's safety.

One hundred police officers rescue victim

On the afternoon of 21/12/2023, Zhao Xin demanded the money be brought to an abandoned residential area in Hoa Phu ward for the hostage exchange. He repeatedly changed the exchange location, checking for police tailing the victim's family's car.

When Mr. Ming's female colleague and brother arrived, Zhao Xin prevented a direct meeting, demanding they throw the money bag onto the ground. He threatened to "chop off the victim's hands" if the ransom was not immediately delivered. Fearing for their loved one's safety, they dropped the yellow cloth bag containing 4,5 billion VND and left as instructed.

As Zhao Xin rode his motorbike to retrieve the money bag, police arrested him. Simultaneously, another police unit rescued Mr. Ming.

Investigators arrested Vi and Ai the same day; Thanh fled to Kien Giang, surrendering on 29/12.

Binh Nguyen