On 1/12, Thanh was criminally detained by the Tay Ninh Provincial Police for investigation into intentional murder.

Nguyen Tan Thanh at the time of his arrest. Photo: Police provided

According to investigators, Thanh stated that around 2003, he operated a mineral water company named DEWO in the Kingdom of Cambodia. During this period, he had savings and frequently sent money home to his mother to purchase land and build a house.

In 2007, Thanh was arrested by Cambodian police for intentional murder. A court in that country sentenced him to 48 years in prison. He served 15 years and was released in 2022.

While imprisoned in Cambodia, Thanh recounted that his mother and sisters visited him, promising to return the property, including the house and land, once he was released and returned home. However, upon his return to Vietnam, he was unable to reclaim these assets, leading to numerous family disputes.

Throughout the past period, Thanh and his sisters frequently argued and challenged each other, disrupting public order. Local authorities organized mediation efforts on 23/7 and 8/8, but these attempts were unsuccessful.

Nguyen Tan Thanh driving his car into a group of women. Photo: Camera footage

Yesterday afternoon, Thanh was driving his Lexus past the house of his sister, Nguyen Thi Hanh, 49, in Thuan Tay hamlet, Ben Cau commune, Tay Ninh province. His sister sprayed water at his car. He did not react and drove home, located about 2 km away.

Upon reaching home, noticing his car was low on gas, Thanh drove it towards gas station number 57 nearby, intending to refuel. As he passed his sister Hanh's house again, she once more sprayed water at his car. Angered, he reversed the car and drove straight into his sister and two other sisters standing in the yard.

The impact knocked over a motorbike, and Thanh's sister, Nguyen Thi Be Sau, 42, was thrown off. The driver then reversed again, aiming for Hanh, but she managed to dodge. A child standing nearby panicked and screamed.

After committing the crime, Thanh drove his car back to his home in Go Dau ward, parked it, and fled on a motorbike. Be Sau was rushed to emergency treatment but died shortly thereafter.

Receiving the report, the Tay Ninh Provincial Police coordinated with forces from the My Quy Border Guard Station to apprehend him. Around 14:00, authorities located Thanh hiding in Tho Mo hamlet, My Quy commune.

Investigators are currently clarifying his statements.

Kien Tuong