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VN10 drug trafficking case trial and sentencing

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-24 11:42 UTC → 2026-09-03 10:33 UTC · added removed

VN10 drug trafficking case trial in Vietnam and sentencing

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Court has commenced concluded the first-instance trial for 227 defendants in the VN10 drug trafficking case, case. The proceedings, which utilized a major transnational operation. hybrid online format to connect the court with the Chi Hoa Detention Center, were expected to run through mid-September 2026. The investigation began case originated in March 2023 after when authorities discovered over 11kg of Ketamine and MDMA concealed in toothpaste tubes within the luggage of four flight attendants traveling from France to Vietnam. France. Investigators determined the flight attendants were unaware of the narcotics, which were moved via a sophisticated network using encrypted messaging, proxy bank accounts, and international couriers. High-profile defendants include singer Chi Dân (Nguyễn Trung Hiếu), his brother Nguyen Trung Tin, model An Tây, and Nguyen Do Truc Phuong. During proceedings, Chi Dân who requested that the court adjust his charges be limited to reflect only the illegal use of narcotics. However, the prosecution maintains the charge of organizing illegal drug use, alleging that he and his brother participated in discussing, preparing locations, model Andrea Aybar Carmona, who faces charges of both illegal possession and providing funds for organizing illegal drug purchases at a residence in Tan Binh District. As use. In its final rulings, the trial progresses, prosecutors have recommended court sentenced 11 individuals to death, including the death penalty for operation’s primary architect, Ha Danh Nam, identified as the primary architect of the operation, along with eight other accomplices for illegal drug trafficking. Nam. Other proposed heavy sentences include included life imprisonment for Hoang Sy Thang, who allegedly managed shipment distribution, Thang and 10 at least 20 other defendants. Four individuals, including Ha Danh Nam, are being tried in absentia. Defense lawyers have requested leniency for These sentences were handed down as the fugitives, citing judicial trends toward reducing Vietnamese government considers legal reforms that would propose abolishing the death penalty for non-violent crimes and advocating for humanitarian considerations. certain crimes, including drug trafficking.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-03 10:33 UTC VN10 drug trafficking case trial and sentencing
  2. 2026-08-24 11:42 UTC VN10 drug trafficking case trial in Vietnam
  3. 2026-08-18 04:40 UTC VN10 drug trafficking case trial in Vietnam
  4. 2026-08-17 14:21 UTC VN10 drug trafficking case trial in Vietnam

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