Trial of 'female monster' impersonating police officer to defraud job seekers of over 300 million VND

On August 12, 2020, the People's Court of Nghe An province brought defendant Cao Thi Thanh Vinh (born in 1983, residing in Trung My block, Le Mao ward, Vinh city) to the appeal trial for the crime of "Fraudulent appropriation of property".

Previously, at the first instance trial, the defendant confessed that around November 2018, through introductions and social acquaintances, Mr. LVB's daughter (residing in Thanh Chuong district) called Vinh to ask for help in finding a job. Realizing the big profit in front of her, Vinh immediately came up with a perfect scenario, changing her name and workplace to increase trust. She identified herself as Cao Thi Dieu Linh, working at the Economic Police Department - Ministry of Public Security and could apply to work at the Nghe An Provincial Police Guest House for 180 million VND.

Defendant Cao Thi Thanh Vinh at trial. Photo: An Quynh.

Completely trusting Vinh, Mr. B's family came to collect the money. On December 6, 2018, Mr. B and his son went to meet Vinh to give him 100 million VND and his job application.

The following times, citing the lack of documents and problems in the process of getting the job done, the “Department officials” asked Mr. B. to continue sending money through his bank account as well as directly sending cash, the total amount was 235 million VND. Vinh spent all the money on personal matters and did not contact or apply for a job for Mr. B’s daughter.

Previously, with the same trick, in February 2018, Cao Thi Thanh Vinh suggested to Ms. Nguyen Thi Ng. (residing in Nam Dan district) that she was preparing to have a "job" at the North Central Hydrometeorological Station, and that if Ms. Ng. needed it, Vinh would help. Without thinking twice, Ms. Ng. immediately ran home to collect money and gave Vinh 20 million VND. The two sides promised that if by May there was a recruitment decision, Ms. Ng. would give the full 50 million VND to Ms. Vinh.

However, by May 2018, Ms. Ng. had not yet received the decision, so she contacted Vinh to ask him to return the 20 million VND, but Vinh refused. Ms. Ng. had to file a complaint with the Vinh City Police Investigation Agency to reclaim the money.

Between February 2018 and May 2019, Cao Thi Thanh Vinh committed 3 acts of fraud, appropriating 310 million VND.

Vinh City People's Court opened the first instance trial, based on aggravating and mitigating circumstances such as the defendant having relatives with certificates of merit for revolutionary service, honest confession,... The panel of judges decided to sentence him to 9 years in prison. Regarding civil matters, the defendant was required to compensate the remaining amount to the victims.

Realizing that the sentence given by the Court of First Instance was unreasonable, defendant Cao Thi Thanh Vinh filed an appeal to the appellate court, asking for a reduction in sentence.

At today’s appeal hearing, the appellate panel concluded that the first instance panel had convicted the right person and the right crime. However, the defendant’s family had compensated the defendants for their damages, so they agreed to Vinh’s appeal and sentenced him to 7 years in prison for “fraudulent appropriation of property.”

In addition, the defendant and his family must continue to have the responsibility to compensate the victim.

An Quynh