A Vietnamese man who owed gambling debt was beaten, tied up, and fatally stabbed. His body later was found in a river near Bavet City in Cambodia’s Svay Rieng Province, according to a weekend news report.
VNExpress International revealed on Saturday the victim was attacked by a Vietnamese gang who were trying to collect money.
The man was identified as “Hoan.” He was described as a 42-year-old Hanoi, Vietnam resident. His body was discovered on December 2.
Gambling Loan Scheme
The homicide was linked to a loansharking scheme that was launched in 2023. It targeted gamblers frequenting casinos in Cambodia, authorities said.
The operation charged high interest and demanded repayment quickly. They also required gamblers to play at select casinos. The gang members carved out 15% of winnings for themselves, authorities added.
If gamblers had no money for repayment, they were threatened and ordered to ask family members for the cash, officials said.
In Hoan’s case, he went to a Cambodian casino with his wife during November. He lost all of his money while gambling. He then borrowed VND100M (US $3,954.56) from the loan operation.
He went to still another gaming property, and while there he lost VND200M. Gang members then held him against his will in a room. They ordered the man to call relatives for the cash.
Bound Man Stabbed, Beaten
On December 1, he tried to escape from the room, but was stopped by guards, the report said. While in a car, he was gagged, his feet and hands bound, he was beaten, and repeatedly stabbed, VNExpress reported.
His lifeless body was dumped in the river. Later in December, his wife reported the incident to authorities and officials began an investigation.
Several Arrests
Over the weekend, officials said they apprehended several suspects. They were named as Ngo Phi Long, 31; Nguyen Hoang Long, 36; Nguyen Van Tuan, 36; Le Van Chung, 28; and Nguyen Van Phuong, of unknown age. Charges include murder, robbery, and illegal detention. Also, Nguyen Manh Hai, 34, and Tran Ngoc Binh, of uncertain age, were arrested for robbery and illegal detention.
The suspects were each one-time Hanoi residents who recently resided in the south of Vietnam.
No word of penalties if the suspects are convicted of the charges.