On 25/9, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court began the trial of Pham Van Hung on charges of organizing illegal drug use and child prostitution.

Pham Phuong Vy and a female minor defendant were indicted on two charges: organizing illegal drug use and pimping. 11 other defendants were indicted on charges of organizing illegal drug use.

The indictment states that on the morning of 22/10/2023, a teenage girl collapsed in an apartment in former District 4. Those present took the girl down the elevator and asked a man to drive her to Tu Du Hospital for emergency treatment. Approximately 30 minutes later, she died.

Forensic results confirmed the teenager died from MDMA poisoning; she had previously used ketamine, MDMA, and methamphetamine.

Investigators searched two apartments in the complex, seizing drug paraphernalia and suspected narcotics. The subsequent investigation revealed a rental operation for tenants to use drugs there.

The defendants in court today. Photo: Binh Nguyen

Apartments prepared for 'party sessions'

The indictment states that from 1/2023, Do Tan Phuc, then a District 4 police officer, rented three apartments at the Icon56 complex. Phuc had them renovated, installing speakers, lights, projectors, bedding, and soundproofing for tenants to use drugs. Phuc assigned individuals to manage money, escort guests to rooms, purchase drugs on demand, and clean up after each rental. The group used Telegram to manage each apartment.

The room rental fee was 3 million dong for 12 hours. A transaction, including room fee, drugs, and service charges, totaled 9,3 million dong.

Nguyen Thanh Nghia, whom Phuc tasked with general management, was responsible for income and expenses across the three apartments. Nghia contributed 50% of the investment capital for one apartment, paying Phuc 15 million dong each month, identified as 'protection money'; the remaining profit after expenses was split equally.

In mid-7/2023, the group brought an additional apartment into operation. Duong Thi Thanh Huyen, the manager of this apartment, along with Nguyen Trong Vinh, a former police officer stripped of his title, and others, operated the room.

Prosecutors determined that Huyen also paid Phuc 15 million dong in 'protection money' each month. Vinh was responsible for finding and bringing in clients.

Around mid-9/2023, Dang Vinh Quang and Nguyen Trung Hieu, both former police officers stripped of their titles, invested with Phuc to open another apartment on the 11th floor. Quang and Hieu transferred a total of 90 million dong to Phuc for deposit, renovations, and equipment installation. This apartment was rented out by the defendants to approximately 14 clients.

The night the teenager died

According to the indictment, at approximately 20h on 21/10/2023, Pham Van Hung, a lecturer at the People's Police University, contacted Pham Phuong Vi, a freelance worker, to find a sex worker and use drugs with him.

Vi introduced a 17-year-old girl. Through the management group, Vi rented an apartment for Hung. That evening, Hung and the teenager went to the apartment to use drugs.

Prosecutors determined that Hung transferred 9,3 million dong, covering the room fee, drugs, and service charges. The management group contacted an individual nicknamed 'Soi' to deliver the drugs.

The next morning, the 17-year-old girl left, introducing a 15-year-old girl to meet Hung.

Around 10h30, Hung informed Vi that the girl had collapsed. Vi contacted the apartment management group; they came to check and then took the girl to the emergency room. However, the victim had already died.

During the investigation, authorities determined that before the teenager was removed from the apartment complex, Huyen instructed someone to clear all equipment from the apartment and move it to an upstairs unit to avoid detection.

At the investigative agency, Hung denied asking Vi to broker prostitution, having sexual relations with the 17-year-old girl and the deceased victim, as well as using drugs.

Regarding the blood test results confirming Hung was positive for multiple drugs, he claimed it might be related to medication he had taken for a prior illness.

The indictment states that the apartment owners were unaware that tenants were using the rooms to organize drug use. The identity of the drug supplier, nicknamed 'Soi', has not yet been clarified and remains under investigation.

This afternoon, the court will question the defendants.

Binh Nguyen