The defendants Mỹ (in white shirt), Lợi (sitting in the middle), Văn and Tuyền in court
Meeting at the “Bankrupt People’s Association”
According to the indictment, Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ, Lâm Phúc Lợi, and Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền, who were all in debt and unable to pay, joined a Facebook group called “Hội những người vỡ nợ” (Bankrupt People’s Association) to connect and exchange criminal plans.
The trio then purchased two homemade guns, a motorcycle, and rented a car to facilitate the robbery and their escape. They also repainted the motorcycle black to avoid detection.
In early October 2023, they devised a plan to rob the Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank, also known as Sacombank (Nhị Xuân Transaction Office, Hóc Môn Branch).
On the morning of October 24, Tuyền drove a car carrying Mỹ and Lợi, who rode a motorcycle, to the vicinity of the Nhị Xuân Transaction Office to conduct surveillance.
At 10:30 am, Lợi and Mỹ approached the office, brandishing their guns to intimidate and subdue bank employees and customers. Lợi entered the premises, threatening staff to fill their prepared bags with cash. The culprits then made a swift escape.
Near the Nhị Xuân Rehabilitation Center (in Xuân Thới Sơn commune, Hóc Môn district), Mỹ and Lợi doused the motorcycle, their clothes, and backpacks with gasoline and set them ablaze to eliminate evidence. Tuyền arrived in a car to pick them up, and they hid out in District 12.
Later that afternoon, the group traveled by taxi to Vung Tau City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, to divide their spoils, totaling VND 3.8 billion. Mỹ, as the ringleader, received VND 1.5 billion, Lợi got VND 1.3 billion, and Tuyền took VND 1 billion. They intended to flee the country.
Ringleader Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ being arrested at Tan Son Nhat Airport while attempting to leave the country (screenshot from video)
Upon receiving the report, Ho Chi Minh City Police directed the Hoc Mon District Police, the Criminal Police, and other units to promptly deploy measures to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen assets.
Sentencing
The authorities collaborated with Long An Provincial Police to arrest Lâm Phúc Lợi, who was hiding in Ben Luc District, Long An Province, and Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền, who was in Tan Thoi Hoa Ward, Tan Phu District.
The mastermind, Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ, was apprehended at Tan Son Nhat Airport while attempting to leave the country. When arrested, Mỹ expressed surprise at the swiftness of the authorities in capturing him.
Within 22 hours of the robbery, the police had apprehended all three culprits before they could flee Vietnam and recovered nearly VND 3.5 billion.
Further investigation revealed that before robbing the bank, Tuyền, Lợi, and Văn had intended to profit by purchasing counterfeit money and putting it into circulation.
In court, the defendants confessed that they had initially planned to rob a jewelry store and a bank branch in Binh Duong but changed their target to Hoc Mon District after finding the security measures and population density unfavorable.
“Additionally, when I searched online, I mostly found news about bank robberies and rarely about arrests, so I thought robbing a bank would be easy,” confessed Mỹ.
The judges deemed the group’s actions as organized and reckless, with a meticulously planned scheme that negatively impacted social order. Therefore, they received strict sentences to serve as a warning and deterrence.
Accordingly, the court sentenced Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ to 25 years in prison for “Robbery”; Lâm Phúc Lợi to 19 years for “Robbery” and six years for “Counterfeiting Money,” totaling 25 years in prison.
Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền was sentenced to 18 years for “Robbery” and six years for “Counterfeiting Money,” serving a total of 24 years in prison. Đặng Hoàng Văn received a six-year sentence for “Counterfeiting Money.”
Additionally, Mỹ, Lợi, and Tuyền were ordered to compensate Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Sacombank, Nhị Xuân Transaction Office, Hóc Môn Branch) more than VND 222 million.
“Resco’s Proposal to Halt the Thanh Da Residence Project”
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has directed the Department of Construction to affirm that there is no basis for RESCO to continue with the construction project of the 15 apartment buildings. This decision was made as the company had surpassed the given deadline, and thus, the project could not move forward.
The Rise and Rise of Thu Duc: How the Former Real Estate Giant is Now a Hot Market with New Condo Prices Soaring Above $100 Million per Square Meter
Although the housing supply in the East of Ho Chi Minh City remains higher than in other areas, there are significantly fewer projects compared to previous years. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find apartments priced at VND 50-60 million per square meter in this area.
Anara Binh Tien Eco Resort: Your Tropical Paradise – Presented by Tin Hung Investment, Premier F1 Distributor
“Tín Hưng Investment, a proud member of the prestigious Joyoung Universal Group, has taken a momentous leap forward by securing the F1 distribution agency for the prestigious Anara Bình Tiên Ocean Leisure Sanctuary project. This pivotal move solidifies Tín Hưng Investment’s standing in the luxury real estate market, marking its emergence as a formidable player in the industry.
Introducing Expert Home – The Pioneer of Expert-Standard Apartments
Introducing the Expert Home apartments – a new residential development designed specifically for the discerning professional. Strategically located in thriving industrial provinces, these homes are the epitome of convenience and sophistication. Tailored to meet the exacting standards of experts in their field, Expert Home offers a refined living experience that surpasses the ordinary.
