PNJ embezzlement case: Court orders further probe into staff responsibility

The Hanoi People's Court has returned a case file to the Procuracy for supplementary investigation regarding a 20 billion VND embezzlement incident at a Phu Nhuan Jewelry (PNJ) store located in Aeon Mall Long Bien.

The court aims to clarify the responsibilities of sales consultants and business managers who failed to detect or prevent the theft over a six-month period. Investigators are also tasked with collecting evidence to clarify discrepancies in funds involving related parties, based on detailed statistics provided by PNJ.

Three defendants are currently facing prosecution. Nguyen Thi Thu, the store accountant, is the primary perpetrator charged with “embezzlement of property.” The indictment states she misappropriated funds between June and December 2024 to fund personal expenses and online gambling. Two other individuals, store manager Nguyen Huu Hong and treasurer Nguyen Thi Ngoc Nhi, are being prosecuted for “irresponsibility causing damage to enterprise assets.”