Two Arrested for Extorting 'Protection Fees' on Da Bac River

Two men have been arrested in Vietnam's northern Quang Ninh province for extorting money from vessels using the river. Nguyen Van Thang (63) and Nguyen Thanh Vo (52) are accused of property extortion. According to local police, the suspects repeatedly approached docked vessels on the Da Bac River in small boats, threatening crew members to pay between 100,000 and 200,000 Vietnamese Dong (approximately $4-$8 USD) per instance as 'security fees.' Both men have prior convictions for similar extortion activities and had resumed their criminal behavior after completing their prison sentences. Investigators believe the suspects targeted vessels anchored overnight on the river since the beginning of the year. They allegedly exploited the fear of harassment, property damage, or obstruction of their anchoring, compelling victims to pay. Records were kept of payments to avoid double-dipping. Numerous ship owners and crew members have reported being threatened and coerced into paying by Thang and Vo's group, fearing difficulties in their anchoring and operations on the river. Authorities are urging anyone who has experienced similar extortion or illegal fee collection to come forward with evidence. While Vietnam continues its economic growth under a one-party system, such illegal activities in riverine transport in local areas can hinder smooth logistics and safe economic activities. Source: VnExpress