On 14/1, Thanh Hoa Provincial Police temporarily detained Xiem, residing in Ho Vuong commune, on suspicion of fraudulent appropriation of property.

Suspect Nguyen Van Xiem. Photo: Lam Son

According to authorities, Xiem, who had known Ms. Le previously, was approached by her in mid-september 2025. She asked for his help to "lobby" for a reduced sentence and to transfer her husband from Ninh Binh Provincial Police Detention Center to Prison No. 5 in Thanh Hoa.

Despite lacking the ability to fulfill these requests, Xiem agreed and demanded 45 million VND from Ms. Le to handle the matter. He initially received a 10 million VND deposit. By 22/9/2025, Xiem messaged Ms. Le again, asking her to transfer the remaining amount. As she had not yet gathered enough money, Xiem suggested Ms. Le sell valuable assets from her home to quickly secure funds to influence her husband's case.

Subsequently, Ms. Le gave Xiem a Honda SH motorcycle and an electric motorcycle to sell. Xiem, however, did not use the proceeds as promised, instead appropriating the entire sum for personal use.

During this period, Ms. Le repeatedly messaged and called Xiem, but he consistently postponed and evaded her. Realizing she had been defrauded, Ms. Le reported the incident to the police.

When questioned by investigators, Xiem admitted to the act. The total value of assets Xiem appropriated from the victim amounted to approximately 115 million VND.

Le Hoang