Years-old YouTube film lands Vietnamese artists in criminal investigation

The police investigative agency under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Security is probing a criminal case involving alleged illegal provision or use of information on computer and telecommunications networks, usury in civil transactions, and illegal possession of military weapons.

The case allegedly involved Nguyen Tuan Hiep, 55, also known as ‘Hiep Den,’ and his accomplices.

Several artists and social media personalities have been accused of helping Hiep illegally provide or use information on computer and telecommunications networks.

Those named include Trinh Minh Tam, 47, known as Duong Chan Huy; Pham Tan Phuc, 53, known as Tan Bo; Nguyen Le Hoang, 47, known as Hoang Meo; Le Thanh Ngoc, 34, known as Kim Ny Ngoc; Nguyen Ngoc Mai, 28, nicknamed Mai Tiger; Le Hoang Quoc Vinh, 46, known as Vinh K5; and Nguyen Thanh Nha, 36, known as Thanh Lac Troi.

During an expanded investigation into Hiep's alleged unlawful activities, particularly the filming and distribution of videos featuring online gangsters, officers uncovered the involvement of Hiep, Hoang Meo, Tan Bo, Duong Chan Huy, Mai Tiger, Vinh K5, Kim Ny Ngoc and several others in performing in and distributing action music film ‘Huy Ben Xe.’

The film was produced under the organization of singer Duong Chan Huy and released on YouTube in 2020.

The film features numerous violent scenes depicting rival groups using sticks, knives and guns to settle disputes and fight over control of a bus station and the collection of protection money.

It attracted more than 42,000 views on YouTube.

Major Tran Thanh Hau explained that although the suspects had uploaded the videos several years ago, their alleged offenses remain within the statutory limitation period for criminal prosecution under the Criminal Code.

Consequently, once investigators establish the criminal conduct and identify those responsible, the individuals involved shall be held accountable under the law.

Police are continuing to expand their investigation and clarify the responsibilities of all individuals involved.

The agency has called on anyone involved in organizing, producing, filming, acting in, editing, uploading or distributing ‘Huy Ben Xe’ and other videos associated with Hiep Den to surrender voluntarily, provide truthful statements, and hand over relevant documents and evidence.

Their cooperation may be taken into consideration when assessing eligibility for leniency under the law.

How long is the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution?

Under Clause 2, Article 27 of Vietnam's current Criminal Code, the statutory limitation period for criminal prosecution depends on the classification of the offense: five years for less serious crimes, 10 years for serious crimes, 15 years for very serious crimes, and 20 years for extremely serious crimes.

In this case, Hoang Meo, Tan Bo, Duong Chan Huy, Mai Tiger, Vinh K5, Kim Ny Ngoc, and several other individuals involved in the film have been charged under Clause 2, Article 288 of the Criminal Code.

The offense carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years and is classified as a serious crime under Clause 2, Article 9 of the Criminal Code.

Accordingly, the statutory limitation period for criminal prosecution of individuals accused of being involved in organizing, producing, filming, acting in, editing, uploading or distributing ‘Huy Ben Xe’ is 10 years.