The Quang Ninh City Police Investigation Agency completed its investigation and sent the case file to the city procuracy, proposing that Nguyen Van Phuc be prosecuted for fraud involving the appropriation of property under Clause 4, Article 174 of the Penal Code.
Police said Nguyen Van Phuc had no stable job. In January this year, he claimed to have connections with senior officials, said he knew a court secretary, and promised to influence the outcome of a criminal case to obtain a reduced sentence for T.T.N.
On January 17, at a coffee shop in Bai Chay Ward, Quang Ninh, Phuc said he could secure a three-year sentence for T.T.N. He quoted a total fee of VND 600 million and asked the family to pay VND 150 million in advance.
Believing the promise, T.T.N.'s family transferred VND 150 million to Phuc that day. On January 20, he received another VND 450 million.
After receiving the full VND 600 million, Phuc spent the money on personal purposes and did not carry out what he had promised.
On February 9, a first-instance court sentenced T.T.N. to seven years and six months in prison. At the appeal hearing on May 8, the court upheld the sentence.
Even so, Phuc continued to promise that he would arrange a reduced sentence. On May 13, he wrote a receipt confirming that he had received VND 600 million to «handle connections in T.T.N.'s case», then gave various excuses to delay matters and avoid responsibility.
Quang Ninh City Police said the case illustrates a common scam carried out under the guise of fixing a case. Such people often claim to have connections with leaders or officials in criminal-procedure agencies, make firm promises about a sentence or case outcome, and then demand large sums from the families of suspects or defendants.
After receiving the money, they spend it on personal purposes, cite various reasons to delay and avoid responsibility, or continue making promises to keep the payer's trust.
Families may understandably be anxious and hope for a reduced sentence for a relative. Scammers can exploit that vulnerability.
Investigations, prosecutions and trials follow procedures set by law. Case outcomes must be based on evidence, legal rules and the specific circumstances. No individual can lawfully guarantee a court outcome in advance through personal connections.
Police urged people to be wary of promises to influence criminal-procedure agencies or officials so they do not become victims of fraud and property appropriation.
Sources: Dân Trí
