The 2-day trial of 37-year-old Nguyen Tuan Vu, a “superthief” from Vinh Phuc Province, and his accomplice, 34-year-old Nguyen Quoc Phu from Ha Noi, ended in Da Nang on Tuesday.

The jury decided that Vu and his accomplice had indeed committed the crimes, which had negatively affected the nation’s social order and security and caused serious damage to government agencies’ property.

Vu was sentenced to 30 years in prison.  The sentence was made up of 17 years for committing the 31 thefts in 12 provinces and cities nationwide, plus the remaining 13 years of a previous 15-year sentence for stealing property that Vu had not yet completed. 

The defendants Vu and Phu at their trial

Vu had previously received 4 convictions, and had completed 3 of those prison sentences.  However, there had been no sign of repentance from Vu after he was released from jail.  Then he was sentenced by the Bac Ninh Provincial People's Court to 15 years in prison for stealing property, but he escaped from prison after serving just over a year of this sentence.

Also on Tuesday, Vu’s accomplice, Phu, was given a 7 year sentence.  In addition, both defendants were required to compensate their victims for the property stolen.