On the afternoon of 31/7, following extensive deliberation, Ho Chi Minh City's District 4 People's Court returned the case file concerning defendants Nguyen Le Minh (50, known as director Le Minh) and Tran Quoc Thang (45, a driver). Both are accused of extortion of property, and the court has requested the prosecutor's office to clarify the exact amount they are alleged to have extorted.

Earlier, the prosecutor's representative affirmed that the indictment against the defendants was appropriate, legally sound, and correctly identified the perpetrators and charges. Consequently, the prosecutor's office recommended the trial panel sentence Minh to 7-8 years in prison and Thang to 5-6 years as an accomplice.

During the legal arguments, defense lawyers presented various points, asserting their clients' innocence and requesting the trial panel to acquit both defendants.

In court, both defendants maintained they were wrongly indicted, arguing their actions did not meet the legal criteria for extortion of property.

Director Nguyen Le Minh and his accomplice at the trial on 15/7. Photo: Hai Duyen

According to the indictment, Minh maintained a close relationship with Ms. Chau, a foreign liquor businesswoman, since 2016. He had repeatedly lent her interest-free money to help expand her business.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Minh faced financial difficulties and requested Ms. Chau to repay a debt of approximately 750 million VND, an amount both parties had previously agreed upon. However, she repeatedly failed to meet these repayment requests.

Subsequently, Minh initiated a lawsuit in Ba Ria - Vung Tau, where a settlement was recorded, compelling Ms. Chau to pay 730 million VND. The indictment states that the judgment's enforcement was prolonged, with Ms. Chau repeatedly promising monthly payments of 10-15 million VND, yet consistently failing to fulfill these commitments.

The indictment specifies that on the afternoon of 4/9/2024, Minh prepared red paint and shrimp paste, placing them into nylon bags. He then had Thang drive him to Ms. Chau's residence in the former Tan Binh district. Upon arrival, both men threw the bags of foul-smelling substances at her house before departing.

During the investigation, Minh stated that he resorted to throwing the substances due to economic pressure and the prolonged debt collection process, intending to "pressure" Ms. Chau into repayment.

At prior court hearings and during the current trial, the defendant altered his testimony. He claimed that throwing the paint and shrimp paste was solely to "vent anger," not to coerce repayment or extort property.

Minh explained that his initial testimony was given under duress, in a state of panic following his arrest, and while his health was compromised. He also alleged that some statements were pre-written by investigators, though he could not provide evidence to support this claim. Defendant Thang also continued to plead his innocence.