Nguyen Van Thang, 63, and Nguyen Thanh Vo, 52, both residing in Mao Khe ward, have been detained on charges of property extortion, Quang Ninh Provincial Police announced on 20/7.
According to investigators, both Thang and Vo have extensive criminal records, including previous convictions for collecting "protection money." After serving their prison sentences, they continued to employ their old methods.
On the evening of 6/7, during a patrol along the waterway, police discovered Vo boarding vessel NB-2915, which was anchored on the Da Bac River. He was collecting 100,000 dong from a crew member, claiming it was a "security fee." Thang was observed nearby, piloting a small boat alongside the vessel, waiting.
During questioning, the two suspects admitted that since the beginning of the year, they had exploited vessels anchored overnight on the Da Bac River by approaching them in a small boat. Vo would directly board the vessels, demanding "security fees" and using threatening language. This instilled fear in boat owners and crew members of potential harassment, property damage, or being denied anchorage, compelling them to pay 100,000 to 200,000 dong each time.
After collecting the money, the two men would record the vessel's identification number in a ledger to prevent duplicate collections before moving on to another boat.
Investigators have received numerous reports from boat owners and crew members. These individuals stated that Thang and Vo's group frequently threatened them and coerced payments, as they feared facing difficulties during anchoring and operations along the river.
Quang Ninh Provincial Police urge all boat owners and crew members to promptly report any instances of unauthorized fee collection, "protection money" demands, or property extortion, and to provide evidence to aid the investigation.
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Nguyen Van Thang and Nguyen Thanh Vo upon their arrest. Photo: Police provided |
Le Tan
