On 22/4, during the second trial session, the An Giang Provincial People's Court continued questioning victims to clarify the actions of former Phu Quoc police chief Le Van Mot and his "adopted sister" Nguyen Thi Hang regarding charges of fraudulent appropriation of property. Hang faces an additional charge of money laundering.

Mot is accused of operating between 2018 and 2023. Despite knowing that the land plots were designated as forest land or state-managed land, and thus ineligible for land use right certificates, he allegedly introduced his "adopted sister" to sign contracts for "red books" and land sales. Prosecutors claim that neither individual had the ability to deliver on these promises, yet they disseminated false information to fraudulently appropriate nearly 68 billion VND.

Le Van Mot at the trial. Photo: Tran Thanh

Victims state 'all transactions originated from Mot'

Victim Ho testified that all land purchase and "red book" service transactions originated from Mot. He stated that Mot also directed him to sign contracts with Hang. Trusting Mot, Ho even transferred money for land without knowing its specific location, believing it to be "land belonging to the Phu Quoc police chief."

Ho also requested Mot to verify the legal status of a land plot he intended to buy in Bai Truong. Mot instructed him to forward the documents to Hang for review. Upon receiving confirmation that a "red book" could be obtained, Mot provided his account number for Ho to transfer a 500 million VND deposit, advising him to "transfer the remaining amount to Hang." Ho recounted, "From then on, I transferred money to Hang and informed Mot via text message. He would reply - ok em."

Similarly, victim Thai stated that when he sought Mot and Hang's assistance to obtain "red books," they initially refused, citing insufficient land area and stating they would only accept applications for one hectare or more. Consequently, Thai invited friends who owned land in Phu Quoc to participate. After numerous money transfers to Hang and receiving only unfulfilled promises, he reported the matter to the police.

Nguyen Thi Hang and Le Van Mot at the trial. Photo: Tran Thanh

Nguyen Thi Hang and

'Adopted sister' claims she followed orders, Mot denies

Previously, Hang testified that she met the victims through Mot. Regarding Ms. Tran, from whom nearly 22 billion VND was allegedly appropriated, Hang stated that they first met at a hotel to sign a "red book" contract. According to Hang's testimony, even though Mot was not present at the signing, he provided instructions remotely via phone, insisting the contract be signed for "exactly 380 million VND per 1,000 m2."

Towards the end of the transaction, Mot called Hang, asking to borrow one billion VND, which she did not have. Ms. Tran, who was nearby and aware of the situation, then called Mot directly. Hang testified, "After the call, she asked for my account number, wanting to transfer 800 million VND to Mot through me."

Hang stated that she trusted Mot due to their romantic relationship. She frequently received money on his behalf and transferred it as instructed. Hang claimed, "Mot often took my phone, texted the victims, and then deleted all the messages afterwards."

In contrast, Mot refuted the accusations of conspiring with Hang in the fraud. He stated that he did introduce clients, specifically acquaintances looking to buy land in Phu Quoc, to Hang, but denied receiving any personal benefit.

Regarding funds transferred to his personal account, he explained that "close friends often share account numbers," and victims initiated these transfers themselves to "increase confidence" in their dealings with Hang.

The trial panel noted contradictions in the testimonies of the two defendants. The court determined that many aspects of the case remain unclear, including the true nature of the appropriated funds. Consequently, the case file was returned to the Procuracy for further investigation.

Ngoc Tai