On 1/7, Dat, 32, and Nguyen Doan Long, 37, both residing in Thanh Sen ward, were arrested and charged with extortion by Ha Tinh provincial police, under Article 170 of the penal code.

Suspect Dat (left) at the police station. Photo: Police provided

Suspect Dat (left) at the police station. Photo: Police provided

According to authorities, Dat is a reporter and deputy head of the North Central region office for a law magazine. He allegedly misused his journalistic position, filming transport vehicles and then contacting business owners, threatening to publish negative articles unless they paid him.

Authorities allege Dat extorted hundreds of millions of dong from various businesses and individuals using this tactic.

Dat is identified as the mastermind, with Long as his accomplice.

Suspect Long (center) at the police station. Photo: Police provided

Suspect Long (center) at the police station. Photo: Police provided

Ha Tinh provincial police urge any other victims of Dat and Long to contact investigators.

Huong Giang