On 23/7, Mai Thi Bich Van, 65 years old, residing in Dai Mo ward, was tried by the Hanoi People's Court for intentionally damaging property.
The indictment stated that on the evening of 18/1, Ngoc parked her mercedes-benz GLC 200 in front of Van's house to visit a nearby restaurant. The area had no 'no parking' signs.
30 minutes later, opening her gate and seeing the oto blocking the entrance, with many potted plants on both sides preventing her from taking out her motorbike, Van became angry. She used a key to scratch the car door three times and broke the rearview mirror. Her daughter also hit the car window with a helmet but caused no damage.
Van and her daughter verbally abused the car owner and scratched the car many more times with the key.
After searching for the car owner without success and finding no contact number, Van's husband placed potted plants in front of the oto and left a note saying, "Parking to block a homeowner's entrance is irresponsible".
That same evening, Ngoc returned, tore up the notes, drove her car home, and reported the incident to the police.
Investigators determined the total damage value to be 6,8 million VND.
Demand for over 600 million VND in compensation
In court this afternoon, the defendant admitted to the actions described in the indictment. She stated that the incident stemmed from her frustration and inability to remain calm when a car blocked her gate. She and her family had searched for the car owner or a contact number but found none.
After the incident, the defendant claimed she proactively contacted Ngoc to apologize and offer compensation, but Ngoc demanded she buy the car.
When Van stated she lacked the means to buy the car, the victim demanded 200 million VND. Van considered this amount excessive and unaffordable immediately, thus agreeing to compensation as per legal provisions.
Ngoc testified that she parked there as instructed by the restaurant staff. The area was an alley with no 'no parking' signs. Van's house lights were off at the time.
She argued that with that many scratches, a repaint would not be possible for 6,8 million VND.
The car manufacturer assessed the damage at 116 million VND. Meanwhile, the insurance company stated that due to intentional damage, the car's condition must remain unchanged until the criminal case is resolved and a conclusion reached, the victim testified in court.
Ngoc claimed the defendant also caused scratches on the bumper, headlight plastic trim, and rearview mirror plastic trim, but investigators determined Van did not damage these parts.
When asked about the compensation claim, Ngoc listed the damages. Specifically: 116 million VND for car repair costs at a garage; lost car rental income for 7 months, at 35 million VND per month; over 5 million VND for taxi fares due to lack of a vehicle; 100 million VND for legal fees during the case; 100 million VND for the car's diminished value; alleged Facebook hacking due to the incident's online prominence; and 50 million VND for mental stress and trauma.
In total, she demanded over 600 million VND in compensation.
Car mortgaged at bank
In court, after Ngoc presented her views on the damages, the judicial panel clarified the car's origin and related transactions.
The 2022 model car was purchased by Ngoc from its previous owner in 2025. It is currently mortgaged with a bank to secure an 800 million VND loan.
The People's Procuracy stated that the victim did not declare the car's mortgage status during the investigation, necessitating a return of the case file for further investigation due to new developments.
Ngoc responded that the car belongs to her, and personal transactions do not require disclosure. The victim asserted she had informed the insurance company and the bank, and both parties told her she could resolve the matter herself.
Hai Thu
