Ho Chi Minh City Police announced on 24/8 that they are investigating Lam Thi Cam Tien, 37, for fraudulent appropriation of property.

Lam Thi Cam Tien at the police station. Photo: Police handout

According to investigators, Tien allegedly fabricated a story about having family connections within the Ministry of Public Security. She claimed to have chartered a private jet carrying 90 billion dong to the Con Dao special economic zone for a real estate venture. Subsequently, she informed victims that security forces had temporarily seized the substantial sum at the airport. Tien then requested loans to "handle the situation" and secure the release of the funds.

Convinced by her elaborate tale, numerous individuals loaned Tien billions of dong. Authorities allege Tien then misappropriated these funds for her personal use.

Beyond this specific incident, Ho Chi Minh City Police are collaborating with Can Tho City Police to investigate additional accusations. Tien is suspected of borrowing and misappropriating money from many people across various provinces and cities, with the initial identified amount exceeding 30 billion dong.

Investigators are urging anyone who has been a victim of Tien to come forward and provide relevant information and documents to assist the ongoing investigation.

Pham Hai