On 1/8, Tam and Chau Anh Duy, 39, from Ho Chi Minh City, were detained by Dong Nai police for investigation into property extortion.

Nguyen The Tam (left) and Chau Anh Duy under arrest. Photo: Thai Ha

Nguyen The Tam (left) and Chau Anh Duy under arrest. Photo: Thai Ha

In late July, 55-year-old Thuy reported to Xuan Duong Commune Police that her son, Tam, had been kidnapped and taken to Cambodia. The kidnappers demanded 180 million VND for his release. They used Tam's Zalo account to video call her, showing him bound and being beaten. Fearing for her son's life, Thuy transferred 60 million VND to Tam's account.

Dong Nai police launched an investigation and discovered that Tam had orchestrated the kidnapping to extort money from his mother. He was found at a motel and promptly arrested.

Tam confessed to police that he had conspired with Duy to stage the kidnapping due to his substantial debt. He gave Duy 5 million VND from the extorted money and used the rest to repay his debts. Police caught them red-handed as they attempted to extort the remaining sum from Thuy.

Phuoc Tuan