On 8/3, Tran Hau Bao, 26; Nguyen Van Loc, 37; Phan Van Bao, 24; and Phan Van Ngo, 48, all residents of Thanh Sen ward, were charged with robbery and illegal gambling under Articles 168 and 321 of the Penal Code.

In connection with the case, Bui Xuan Tiep, 35, a resident of Thach Lac commune; Tran Hau Manh; Tran Hau Dinh, 36; and Trinh Van Hoa, 39, all residing in Thanh Sen ward, were charged with illegal gambling.

Suspects Ngo, Van Bao, Hau Bao, and Loc (from left) at the investigative agency. Photo: Hung Le

According to the investigation, on the evening of 24/2, Tran Hau Bao's group organized a game of three-card poker at Ngo's house in Kinh Nam residential group, Thanh Sen ward. Bets were placed at 100,000 VND or more per round, with the total gambling amount reaching nearly 100 million VND.

After losing, Hau Bao suspected Tiep of cheating and demanded the money back.

Authorities allege that Hau Bao, Loc, Van Bao, and Ngo assaulted Tiep, forcing him to transfer back the gambling winnings. Under duress and assault, Tiep complied with their demands.

Following the victim's complaint, Bao's group was arrested after more than one week of investigation. Authorities have not yet disclosed the amount the group demanded from Tiep.

Duc Hung