Debt collection tactics have taken a dark turn as uniformed individuals, driving company-branded vehicles, relentlessly harass debtors, exerting immense psychological pressure. In extreme cases, they record videos of these encounters, posting them on social media to tarnish reputations and coerce payment.
On December 22, Ho Chi Minh City Police announced the successful dismantling of this criminal network, following directives from the Ministry of Public Security to combat criminal gangs operating under the guise of legitimate businesses. This operation is part of the intensified crackdown on crime leading up to the 2026 Lunar New Year.
Through monitoring both physical and online activities, Ho Chi Minh City Police identified suspicious operations linked to three companies: Northern Land Debt Trading Company, 620 Security and Debt Collection Services Company, and North-South Debt Trading Company. These entities were allegedly headed by Ho Thanh Duoc (born in 1991, from Dong Thap Province).
Ho Thanh Duoc (born in 1991, from Dong Thap Province) leads the criminal group. Photo: C.A
Based on reports from the Criminal Investigation Department, the Director of Ho Chi Minh City Police authorized a specialized task force to eliminate this criminal network.
Investigations revealed that Ho Thanh Duoc instructed his subordinates to establish the three aforementioned companies, hiring nominal legal representatives to conceal their illegal debt collection activities. Each company had a “debt recovery” division, recruiting employees to engage in coercive debt collection practices.
Through these companies, the group entered into fraudulent debt purchase agreements with individuals holding uncollectible debts, effectively legalizing their illegal debt collection activities. They negotiated commissions ranging from 10% to 50% of the total recovered amount.
Evidence seized from the case. Photo: C.A
The group’s debt collection methods involved employees wearing uniforms and using company-branded vehicles to repeatedly visit debtors’ homes, shouting and causing psychological distress, severely disrupting victims’ lives. Some members even recorded and edited videos of these encounters, posting them online to defame debtors, increase pressure for payment, and attract new clients.
Alarmingly, in several instances, they sent threatening messages and calls, and notified debtors’ workplaces and relatives to coerce repayment.
After identifying the modus operandi and roles of each member, on December 13, the task force arrested and summoned 28 individuals, conducting emergency searches at six locations, including the companies’ headquarters and suspects’ residences. They seized 478 debt purchase contracts, 6 vehicles, numerous phones, computers, and related documents.
Initial investigations determined that Ho Thanh Duoc’s group committed three extortion cases, seizing over 1 billion VND.
On December 17, Ho Chi Minh City Police’s Investigation Agency charged and detained 20 individuals for “Extortion” under Article 170 of the Penal Code. The People’s Procuracy of Ho Chi Minh City approved these decisions and arrest warrants.
The charged suspects in the case. Photo: C.A
Ho Chi Minh City Police continue to investigate the 478 debt contracts, electronic data, bank transactions, and individual roles to ensure strict legal action.
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