On 27/5, Duc and Tien, both 34 years old, were prosecuted and arrested by An Giang Provincial Police on charges of property fraud.

Le Ngoc Duc (left) and Nguyen Phuoc Tien at the investigative agency. Photo: Duong Dong

According to the investigation, eight years ago, Duc was imprisoned for violating road traffic regulations, where he met Tien, who was serving time for property theft. After their release, the two maintained contact.

Earlier this year, Duc was approached by the family of Duong, a 27-year-old resident of An Giang province, to help "fix a case" after Duong was arrested by Son La Provincial Police for organizing gambling.

Authorities allege that Duc discussed with Tien a plan to meet the suspect's family. During the meeting, Tien claimed to have connections with central government leaders and asserted he could arrange for Duong's bail and acquittal.

Believing them, from February to late April, Duong's family made multiple payments to Tien and Duc, totaling approximately 19 billion VND. Each time they received money, the two suspects divided it as agreed.

Upon realizing they had been scammed, Duong's family reported the incident to the police. The investigative agency is currently expanding the scope of the case.

Ngoc Tai - Duong Dong