On the evening of February 5, Hanoi City Police announced that they had urgently arrested a group of 7 people for their acts of protection racket and extortion of property in the Long Bien market area.

5thumb.jpg
The group of protection racketeers were arrested. Photo: Hanoi Police.

According to the investigation documents, there were 28 victims who were small traders and drivers transporting goods to the Long Bien market area. They had to contact the group and pay money to ask for a place to sell goods.

A group of people encroached on Hong Ha Street (in Phuc Xa Ward, Ba Dinh District), next to Long Bien Market, creating a business area right outside the market gate. This group established a separate area and provided protection there.

The vendors are forced to accept the arrangement and pay the money as requested by this group in order to sell their goods. If they do not pay, they will not be allowed to sell and will be kicked out of the market.

According to the Criminal Police Department (Hanoi City Police), on average, the group collects 10-30 million VND per day, and 400-500 million VND per month, equivalent to about 5-6 billion VND per year.

The money collection has no invoices or documents. This trading area is on the sidewalk, not licensed, and not under the management of Long Bien Market Management Board.

Authorities also said that sellers must pay according to the levels imposed by the group and are not allowed to negotiate.

The case is under investigation and clarification.