On 16/3, the Ha Tinh Provincial People's Court sentenced Dat, 35 years old, residing in Thanh Hoa province, for abusing trust to appropriate property, under Article 175 of the Penal Code.

The court panel determined that the defendant's actions were dangerous to society, infringed upon another person's property rights, and constituted a dangerous repeat offense, warranting strict punishment as a deterrent.

During the trial, Dat expressed remorse and hoped for a reduced sentence to return home sooner and atone for his mistakes.

Defendant Dat (center) at the trial. Photo: Hung Le

According to the indictment, Dat and Nguyen Van Dung, 55 years old, residing in Thanh Sen ward, had known each other for many years. On 13/7, when Dung fell ill, Dat took him to Ha Tinh Provincial General Hospital for emergency treatment. Before entering the treatment room, Dung removed the jewelry he was wearing, including a gold and platinum necklace, a gold ring, a silver bracelet, and other items, entrusting them to Dat for safekeeping.

Authorities accused Dat of then developing an intention to appropriate these assets. He lied, claiming he had a family matter requiring him to return to Thanh Hoa. Dat subsequently sold the jewelry at various gold and silver shops to fund his personal expenses.

Upon discharge from the hospital, Dung repeatedly called Dat to demand the return of his property, but Dat blocked his communication.

Following the victim's report, Dat was arrested by police in 11/2025. The valuation report determined the jewelry Dat appropriated from Dung was worth nearly 140 million dong.

Duc Hung