Authorities in Thai Binh Province have recommended the prosecution of Đong Xuan Thu, former Editor-in-Chief of Environment and Urban Vietnam Journal, along with Nguyen Thi Anh Hong, former Deputy Editor-in-Chief, and numerous reporters from the publication, in connection with a sweeping VND 5 billion (approx. USD 197,000) extortion case.

According to the investigation’s final report, 42 individuals are being held accountable for crimes related to "extortion of property". Leading the operation, Thu allegedly instructed his staff to uncover and report on alleged legal or regulatory violations by businesses, organizations, and individuals.

These reports were then used as leverage to solicit money from the subjects of the stories, who were pressured into paying in order to have the content deleted, hidden, or edited - or to avoid future negative coverage.

Journalists reportedly requested that their targets sign "CCV contracts" supporting programs such as “Golden Broom” or “Children’s Art”, or enter into paid communication agreements. These contracts served as a pretext to extort funds in exchange for halting publication of damaging content.

The investigation concluded that Dong Xuan Thu bears full responsibility for the more than VND 5 billion extorted during this operation, qualifying his actions as criminal under Vietnamese penal law.

Nguyen Thi Anh Hong, as both Deputy Editor-in-Chief and the publication’s treasurer, played a key supporting role. She approved press credentials for field reporters, facilitated the removal or editing of articles once payments were made, and oversaw the disbursement and sharing of extorted funds. She, too, faces prosecution for extortion and is held jointly liable for the total amount stolen.

Cao Thi Thu Huong, former accountant at the journal, was also implicated. Investigators stated that she knowingly followed Thu’s directives, received payments from victims, and assisted in managing and distributing the money among participating reporters. As such, Huong also faces charges and financial accountability.

The investigation exposes a coordinated scheme involving editorial leadership and operational staff exploiting the journalistic platform for personal and financial gain. Charges have now been formally recommended for all involved.

T. Nhung