On May 29, the police investigation agency announced it was handling an investigation into the “extortion of property” case at Binh Tay Market (Binh Tay Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) carried out by Nguyen Nguyen Phuong (49 years old, known as “Devil Face” Phuong), Nguyen Nguyen Vu (51 years old, known as “Luom,” Phuong’s older brother), and their accomplices.

According to the case, in 2009, Vu was assigned by the market management board and the Binh Tay Market loading and unloading union to be in charge of and manage the team handling incense and lamp goods in the Phan Van Khoe area of Binh Tay Market.

In 2019, Vu handed over management of the goods loading and unloading team to Nguyen Nguyen Phuong.

Taking advantage of being assigned to manage the loading team, Phuong directed Nguyen Hong Vu (known as “Den”) to meet with small traders at Binh Tay Market, demanding that traders and customers delivering goods at gates 7, 8, and 9 must hire the transport team managed by “Devil Face” Phuong to load and unload goods, at prices set by Phuong.

Specifically, for packages under 10 kg, the group charged 3,000 VND; for packages over 10 kg, they charged 5,000 VND; and for packages over 30 kg, they charged 7,000 VND.

The collected money was placed into iron boxes at gates 7, 8, and 9, and at the end of the day it was divided equally among team members, including Phuong, Hong Vu, and Nguyen Vu, averaging about 200,000 VND per day.

For traders and customers who did not agree to have Phuong’s team load and unload their goods, Phuong’s followers would prevent them from unloading, drive them to other gates, and threaten, curse, and pressure them into hiring Phuong’s loading team.

Phuong and Hong Vu also threatened to force traders and customers to pay Phuong monthly, every six months, or annually (protection money) if they wanted to load, unload, and handle goods themselves instead of hiring Phuong’s team.

During the investigation, the police determined that Nguyen Hong Vu (born 1977, residing at 157B Phan Van Khoe, Quarter 5, Binh Tay Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) was involved in the case. However, it is currently unclear where Nguyen Hong Vu is.

To assist the investigation, the Ho Chi Minh City Police request Nguyen Hong Vu to report in, or anyone with information about Nguyen Hong Vu to provide it to the Ho Chi Minh City Police Investigation Agency (Team 6, Criminal Police Department; 459 Tran Hung Dao, Cau Ong Lanh Ward; contact investigator Nguyen Duc Nghia, phone number 0968.630.856) for processing according to regulations.

The Ho Chi Minh City Police request anyone who has borrowed money from Nguyen Thi Uyen Phuong, Tran Thi Thuy Trang, and Nguyen Thi Hanh at high interest rates, stemming from participation in online rotating credit groups, to provide information to assist the investigation.

Binh Tay Market

Binh Tay Market, also known as Cholon Market, is a historic wholesale market located in Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown (Cholon). Built in the late 19th century by the French colonial administration and later renovated by Chinese businessman Quach Dam, it has long served as a major trading hub for goods like textiles, spices, and dried foods. The market’s distinctive architecture blends French and Chinese influences, and it remains a vibrant symbol of the area’s cultural and commercial heritage.

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Binh Tay Market

Binh Tay Market, located in Ho Chi Minh City’s Cholon (Chinatown) district, is a historic wholesale market built in the late 19th century by the French colonial administration. Named after the Chinese merchant who funded its construction, Quach Dam, the market has long served as a major hub for trading goods such as textiles, spices, and household items. Today, it remains a bustling center of commerce, reflecting the area’s rich cultural blend of Vietnamese and Chinese heritage.

Phan Van Khoe area

The Phan Van Khoe area is a historic residential and commercial district in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, named after a prominent local figure. It was originally developed during the French colonial period and became known for its narrow alleys and vibrant market activity. Today, the area reflects a blend of traditional Vietnamese culture and urban evolution, though it has faced challenges related to urban planning and preservation.