The Supreme People's Procuracy has indicted Binh "Kiem", 55, and his accomplices on charges of illegal possession and trade of military weapons. The case has been transferred to the procuracy in Ho Chi Minh City for prosecution.

Among those indicted in connection with the case led by Binh "Kiem" is Le Minh Nghia, 28, charged with fraud and property appropriation.

Nguyen Duc Binh at the time of his arrest by the Ministry of Public Security. Photo: Ministry of Public Security

Nguyen Duc Binh at the time of his arrest by the Ministry of Public Security. Photo: Ministry of Public Security

Prosecutors determined that in early July 2024, after his release from prison, Binh "Kiem"—who had previously served a 30-year sentence for kidnapping and weapons trafficking—met with former inmates and associates to seek "Western European firearms." Through these connections, he engaged in three instances of illegal weapons trade, transport, and possession. While two transactions were successful, Binh was defrauded in an attempt to "purchase an AK47 based on a photograph."

During his weapons search, Binh enlisted Tran Dinh Thien, 34, to connect him with Le Minh Nghia. Nghia, with a prior criminal record, falsely claimed to possess an AK47 and ammunition to swindle Thien. To gain credibility, Nghia downloaded images of an AK47 and ammunition, edited them, and sent them to Thien via Zalo. He quoted 18 million VND for the rifle, 6 million VND for two magazines, and 3.3 million VND for 100 rounds.

After viewing the AK47 image, Binh agreed and transferred over 20 million VND to Thien for the purchase. Upon receiving the funds, Nghia deactivated his phone, using the money to settle debts and cover personal expenses.

Police Thwart Plot Targeting Celebrities

A figure both feared and respected in the criminal underworld, Binh "Kiem" has a long history of imprisonment and confrontations with rival gangs, notably challenging the notorious kingpin Truong Van Cam (Nam Cam).

In 2005, Binh "Kiem" orchestrated the kidnapping of businessman Tram Be's son, demanding a 10 million USD ransom. Two years later, he received a 28-year sentence from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court for kidnapping, weapons trafficking, and illegal possession and use of military weapons.

Following his early release in April of last year, Binh immediately drew the attention of the Serious Crimes Investigation Department (C02) under the Ministry of Public Security. Investigators observed him regrouping with former inmates and hardened criminals, forming a new gang.

The Ministry of Public Security identified Binh as the mastermind behind a plot to organize an event featuring prominent models and singers. The plan involved kidnapping the attendees, using weapons to threaten and sexually assault them, and recording the acts. This footage would then be sent to an accomplice in the US for distribution on pornographic websites for profit.

Binh delegated tasks and fundraising to his associates, with the time and location of the operation predetermined. He contacted multiple sources to acquire firearms and ammunition, including ordering Nguyen Tuan An, a notorious criminal, to purchase AK rifles and ammunition from Laos and smuggle them into Vietnam.

However, in late September and early October, police launched a series of raids, apprehending Binh "Kiem's" gang in Ho Chi Minh City and other locations, effectively thwarting their plot. Authorities seized three AK rifles, eight handguns, over 1,400 rounds of ammunition, five magazines, five bulletproof vests, narcotics, and various other items and documents related to the crimes.

Confiscated weapons and ammunition. Photo: Ministry of Public Security

Confiscated weapons and ammunition. Photo: Ministry of Public Security

Along with Binh "Kiem" and Nghia, Nguyen Tuan An, 42, from Hung Yen, was also charged with the illegal purchase, possession, and transportation of military weapons. Chu Van Hoang Anh, 35, and Huynh Hoang Vu, 53 (also known as Vu "Meo"), face charges of illegal weapons possession, while Lai Nam Phuong is charged with failure to report a crime.

Ten other individuals have been charged with gambling, organizing gambling, and fraud.

The prosecution has separated charges against other suspects related to manufacturing and possessing military weapons into a separate case for later proceedings.

Quoc Thang