Brian Jeffrey
Recent Arrests in Extortion Case Involving Journalism
The Thai Binh Provincial Police have formally initiated a criminal investigation concerning allegations of extortion, resulting in the detention of several key figures, including the Editor-in-Chief and Vice Editor-in-Chief of the Vietnam Urban Environment Magazine, along with six staff members, primarily journalists.
On the evening of September 26, officials from the Thai Binh Provincial Police informed VietNamNet that the Criminal Investigation Department had begun legal proceedings following emergency arrests. Searches of the residences and offices of various magazine leaders and journalists were also conducted to further inquire into alleged extortion practices within the publication.
On September 25, authorities established a case for extortion under Article 170, Clause 3 of the Penal Code, based on the evidence gathered during preliminary investigations.
Furthermore, on September 26, the police executed emergency detention and search orders for three individuals:
- Nguyen Thi Anh Hong, Vice Editor-in-Chief, residing in Hoang Mai District, Hanoi.
- Dang Van Phuc, journalist based in Thanh Oai District, Hanoi.
- Vu Duc Lan, journalist hailing from Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi.
These individuals are now under scrutiny for their possible roles in the extortion case as outlined by Article 170 of the Penal Code.
Previously, on September 24, additional emergency arrests were reported involving:
- Dong Xuan Thu, Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, residing in Dong Da District, Hanoi.
- Bui Van Toan, head of the magazine’s Economic Department.
- Cao Thi Thu Huong, the magazine accountant, residing in Thanh Tri District, Hanoi.
- Nguyen Ngoc Tuyen, journalist from Thai Binh City.
- Nguyen Tat Trien, another journalist also from Thai Binh City.
Currently, all eight individuals connected to the Vietnam Urban Environment Magazine are being investigated as part of the ongoing extortion investigation.
