The 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, took place in Da Nang on Monday under Article 138 of the Vietnamese Penal Code.  The majority of the theft victims, who live in 12 provinces and cities nationwide, were absent from the court.

The accused at their trial

According to the indictment by the city’s prosecutors, Vu and Phu successfully carried out 31 thefts, targeting local government agencies in 12 provinces and cities across the country, between 6 April 2011 and 8 January 2012.  The stolen property was valued at around 2 billion VND.

Vu himself carried out 22 of the 31 thefts, including 6 cases in Da Nang during a 1 month period.

On 8 January 2012, Vu was arrested on Pham Van Dong Street by the city’s police, and Phu was also captured later.

The trial will end today, 23 July.