On 4/6, the Ha Tinh Provincial Police Investigation Agency announced the indictment and temporary detention of Phong, 37, and Thanh, 36, both residing in Quang Ninh, on charges of property appropriation, under clause 2, Article 170 of the Penal Code.

Suspect Phong (left) working with investigators. *Photo: Police provided*

According to the investigation, in 10/2025, Phong called Thanh – an acquaintance from prison – to purchase hidden camera equipment. Their objective was to secretly film the activities of traffic police patrol teams in Ha Tinh province. Authorities allege the two then posed as journalists, contacting victims and claiming misconduct during their work. This tactic was used to exert pressure and extort money from the officers.

The suspects allegedly threatened to send the recorded materials to superiors or publish them on social media and news outlets if victims did not cooperate. Their agreement stipulated that Phong would receive 85% of any extorted money, while Thanh would receive 15%.

Police working with suspect Thanh (right). *Photo: Police provided*

Following reports from victims, in late May, Ha Tinh Police launched an investigation and arrested Phong and Thanh. The investigation agency has not yet disclosed the total amount of money the two suspects allegedly extorted.

Records indicate that Thanh has a prior criminal history. In 2016, he was sentenced to seven years in prison by the Cam Pha City People's Court (Quang Ninh) for illegal drug possession. After his release in 2022, he was further sentenced to one year and nine months in the same year for the same offense. Phong was also sentenced to five years in prison in 2014 by the Ha Long City People's Court (Quang Ninh) for property theft.

Duc Hung