On March 27, 2025, the High People's Court in Ho Chi Minh City presided over a significant trial concerning the smuggling of six tons of gold, a case that has drawn considerable public attention due to its scale and implications. The court delivered its verdict, sentencing Nguyen Thi Minh Phung, 44, to 18 years in prison for her role in the smuggling operation that spanned from Tay Ninh in Vietnam to Cambodia. Alongside her, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Giau, also 44, received the same sentence for her involvement in the illicit trade.
The court's decision came after rejecting appeals for reduced sentences from both women. Additionally, Nguyen Thi Kim Phuong, Giau's sister, was sentenced to 15 years for her participation in the same crime. The trial highlighted the organized nature of the smuggling operation, with Phung orchestrating the buying and selling of smuggled gold bars, establishing a network that included transportation and sales across various locations.
According to court records, Phung had a background as a gold shop employee, which facilitated her connections within the jewelry industry in both Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ninh. In 2022, she initiated a scheme to import gold bars illegally from Cambodia, coordinating with multiple accomplices to manage the logistics of the operation. The court ordered the confiscation of the smuggled gold, valued at approximately 8,500 billion VND, to be deposited into the state fund.
In a related case, on the same day, the Thai Binh Provincial Police took action against Nguyen Tien Nam, a 24-year-old, for allegedly resisting law enforcement. The incident occurred on the evening of March 26, when Nam, while being pursued for driving violations, crashed his motorcycle into a traffic officer, causing injuries that resulted in two broken ribs for the officer, identified as Dai úy Ngo Viet Thanh.
Following the incident, authorities quickly apprehended Nam, who now faces serious charges for his actions against the police. The case has drawn attention to the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in their line of duty, prompting a visit from Senior Colonel Vu Manh Ha, who expressed concern for Thanh's recovery and emphasized the need for strict enforcement of the law against offenders.
Meanwhile, the Dong Nai Provincial Police announced the arrest of a suspect involved in a violent altercation near Tan Hoa High School. On March 27, it was reported that a 17-year-old student, identified as N.M.T., was attacked by a group wielding weapons, leading to his collapse on the street. The police are actively pursuing additional suspects connected to this disturbing incident, which has raised alarms about youth violence in the area.
In another high-profile case, the appellate court for the Van Thinh Phat Group, led by chairwoman Truong My Lan, convened to address multiple legal issues surrounding the group's financial practices. During the proceedings, Lan requested an exemption from a substantial court fee of 30.2 billion VND, citing her age and the provisions of the Law on the Elderly. She also sought to clarify the financial obligations stemming from a previous ruling, arguing that miscalculations regarding her financial liabilities could unfairly penalize her.
Lan asserted that she had not personally profited from the bond issuance that led to the legal troubles and emphasized her commitment to addressing any outstanding debts responsibly. The court proceedings have drawn significant media coverage, reflecting the public's interest in the case and its implications for corporate governance in Vietnam.
Adding to the day's events, a shocking hostage situation unfolded in Bac Ninh, where a 9-year-old girl was taken captive by a man identified as Phan Van Tuan, 41. The police were alerted early on March 27 after Tuan entered the girl's home armed with two knives, demanding a motorcycle and money to facilitate his escape.
After a tense standoff that lasted over four hours, police negotiators successfully convinced Tuan to release the child without harm. Authorities later apprehended him, during which it was revealed that he had a history of drug use and prior criminal convictions. This incident has raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in preventing such violent acts.
As the day progressed, financial markets reacted to the rising gold prices, which surged to unprecedented levels. On March 28, 2025, the Saigon Jewelry Company (SJC) reported that the price of gold bars had officially exceeded 100 million VND per tael, marking a historic peak for gold rings. By 9:30 AM, the price of SJC gold bars was listed at 98.4 - 100.4 million VND per tael, reflecting a significant increase from previous sessions.
The surge in gold prices has been attributed to various market dynamics, including strong demand and investor sentiment. Financial expert Tran Duy Phuong noted that while gold remains a popular investment, potential buyers should exercise caution given the volatility of the market. He warned that after periods of rapid price increases, corrections are often necessary, and advised investors to choose their timing wisely to maximize returns.
The recent developments in both legal and financial spheres in Vietnam highlight the complexities of governance, public safety, and market dynamics. As authorities continue to address these pressing issues, the public remains vigilant, seeking justice and stability in an ever-evolving landscape.
