On 25/6, Nguyen Mai Binh, 37, was sentenced by the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City to 14 years and six months in prison for fraudulent appropriation of property.

According to the indictment, on 9/12/2023, Binh learned that To Phuc An, an acquaintance, had been arrested by the Go Vap District Police for illegal drug trafficking. Binh proactively contacted An's wife, Ms. Nhung, to inform her of the arrest.

Subsequently, Ms. Nhung asked Binh to find a way to secure bail for her husband. Binh agreed and requested 1.5 billion VND from the family to "handle the matter".

Defendant Nguyen Mai Binh at court today. Photo: Binh Nguyen

After receiving the money, Binh failed to fulfill her commitment. She continued to make promises about helping An receive a lighter sentence, aiming to prolong the process and maintain trust.

Binh testified that she had given the entire sum to an acquaintance named Chung, whose background is unknown, and who allegedly worked at a People's Procuracy in Hanoi. Binh claimed this occurred when Chung visited Ho Chi Minh City to assist with An's case, but no receipt was provided.

On 7/9/2024, Binh met Ms. Nhung to issue a receipt acknowledging the 1.5 billion VND received, stating its purpose was to secure An's release and committing to a refund if unsuccessful.

However, Ms. Nhung's husband was not released on bail. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to reclaim the money, Ms. Nhung filed a complaint with the police.

Procedural agencies confirmed that no prosecutor named Chung, working at the People's Procuracy in Hanoi, was on a business trip or leave at the time Binh claimed.

During the investigation and at trial, Binh admitted her criminal conduct.