Claiming financial hardship after his family went bankrupt, Phan Van Chien admitted to stealing high-end jewelry and luxury accessories from major shopping centers in Ho Chi Minh City. On April 24, the city’s People’s Court sentenced the 33-year-old man, a resident of District 7, to 10 years in prison for theft.

According to the indictment, on the evening of January 21, 2024, Chien entered a luxury jewelry store inside a shopping mall on Dong Khoi Street (Ben Nghe Ward, District 1) under the pretense of purchasing expensive items.

A store clerk escorted Chien into a VIP room and brought out a black box containing high-value jewelry for consultation. Seizing the opportunity when the employee momentarily left the room, Chien stole three metal bracelets valued at approximately 2.6 billion VND (about USD 105,000). He then pretended to take a phone call and quietly exited the store.

Three days later, Chien returned to the mall, this time targeting a high-end fashion boutique. Posing as a customer, he waited for another moment of distraction and made off with two luxury clutches and a cardholder, worth a combined 450 million VND (about USD 18,200), before fleeing the scene.

After receiving reports from both stores, police launched an investigation. CCTV footage from the retail premises led investigators to identify the perpetrator as Phan Van Chien.

In his confession, Chien said he had grown up in a well-off family and was accustomed to purchasing designer items without concern for cost. After his family's financial collapse, Chien continued to indulge in expensive tastes and, unable to afford such goods, decided to steal them - either for personal use or resale.

At the trial, Chien expressed remorse and fully admitted his crimes. His family subsequently returned all the stolen items to the victims.

The court noted that Chien’s actions had seriously violated the property rights of others protected by law. However, it also took into account his sincere confession, expressions of regret, and the family’s efforts to rectify the damage. Balancing these mitigating and aggravating factors, the court handed down a 10-year prison sentence.

Thanh Phuong