Ho Chi Minh City witnessed a series of alarming crimes in 2024, including heinous murders, sophisticated drug trafficking, and large-scale corruption cases, according to reports presented by the People’s Court and the People’s Procuracy at a local government session on December 9.

Nguyen Duc Thai, Chief Prosecutor of HCMC People’s Procuracy, highlighted a rise in criminal cases, with 188 more cases and 3,944 additional suspects compared to 2023. He noted that drug-related offenses were particularly prevalent, often involving the use of delivery services, rented apartments, and cross-border trafficking via air travel.

Key cases include:

February 2024: A ride-hailing driver delivering drugs in a red nylon package was apprehended in District 4. The package contained ketamine. Subsequent investigations led to the seizure of more ketamine and MDMA at other locations.

April 2024: A foreign national was found storing large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine in three suitcases at a rented room in District 1.

May 2024: Another foreign national was caught at Tan Son Nhat Airport with over 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine and 310 grams of ketamine.
 
Violent crimes of extreme brutality also drew public outrage. One such case involved Nguyen Dang Khoa, who committed murder, sexual assault, and robbery before dismembering the victim, a 25-year-old woman from Dong Nai.

Other criminal patterns included organized transnational crime, environmental violations, and an increase in illegal moneylending schemes.

Economic crimes and corruption remained significant issues in the city. Several cases were marked by their complexity and large financial impact:

The ongoing trial of Truong My Lan and accomplices for financial misdeeds, monitored closely by anti-corruption authorities.
A case involving embezzlement at a local bank, where the amount misappropriated reached 96 billion VND.
 
Chief Justice Le Thanh Phong of the HCMC People’s Court reported that the city’s courts handled 79,169 cases in 2024, resolving 69,243 of them - a resolution rate of 87.46%. Despite improvements in efficiency, the complexity and severity of cases have increased, particularly in areas involving economic crimes, public corruption, and violent offenses.

Phong emphasized the courts’ commitment to upholding justice, especially in cases that fall under the purview of central and local anti-corruption directives.

Ho Van