Former wife of Mr. Hunter reveals origin of 143
gold ingots seized by police
In the supplementary investigation conclusion in the Mr. Pips case, the Hanoi Police Investigation Agency determined that Mr. Hunter and Mr. Pips organized and operated a fraud network. The defendant is accused of embezzling more than VND 344 billion and laundering the proceeds by purchasing four real estate properties and 143 gold ingots. When police searched the residence of Mr. Hunter's ex-wife Ngo Thi Theu (the supplementary conclusion indicates the two had divorced), the police seized these gold items.
Two spouses fled abroad
The Hanoi Police Investigation Agency recently issued a supplementary investigation conclusion, requesting the prosecution of 188 defendants in the fraud network led by Phó Đức Nam (Mr. Pips). In the case, the defendants Le Khac Ngo (Mr. Hunter) and Ngo Thi Theu (Ngo) were charged with fraudulent appropriation of property. Ngo was identified as the mastermind, establishing and managing many offices with dozens of staff.
The conclusion states that in 2019 Ngo discussed with Nam about expanding the system of stock exchanges and forex platforms in Vietnam nationwide. He was later tasked by Nam to oversee 20 offices to lure victims to participate in investment schemes intended to appropriate assets.
Ngo faced 287 fraud cases, misappropriating more than VND 344 billion. He also laundered money by purchasing four properties valued at over VND 7.1 billion.
The supplementary conclusion shows that Le Khac Ngo and Ngo Thi Theu were divorced, but the timing of their divorce is not specified.
During a search of Thieu’s residence, police seized 143 gold ingots. Ngo testified that the gold belonged to Ngo’s children. Ngo was the person who moved the gold into a safe and had never opened the safe himself.
Regarding money laundering, investigators determined the purpose was to legitimize the source of funds obtained by crime and to invest and accumulate assets, with Ngo purchasing four properties valued at more than VND 7.1 billion.
During the investigation, police also seized 18.3 billion VND and USD 84,825 belonging to Ngo Thi Theu and Le Khac Ngo, which Ngo had given to Thieu for management; the balance was held in 18 savings accounts.
Additionally, authorities identified two real estate assets of Ngo; four homes belonging to Thieu in Hung Yen and Hanoi, along with 34 land-use certificates and 11 related documents.
Hoang An
Tien Phong
