Protection racket at Long Bien market is unacceptable: MPS leader

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Reporters at the conference raised the issue on protection rackets at the Long Bien night market.

According to a series of investigative reports shown on Vietnam TV, since the beginning of 2018, many people have reported protection rackets at the Long Bien night market to the local authorities but they have received no feedbacks. The situation has become worse when the racketeers have known about the petition and threatened the petitioners.

The gang leader was even outspoken that they had good relationships with various senior police officers. At the press conference, reporters wanted to know viewpoints of the Ministry of Public Security and the authorities of Hanoi on this issue.

Nguyen Van Suu, Vice Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee, stated that the Chairman of the Hanoi Municipal People’s Committee had directed relevant local agencies and units to seriously handle the case, strictly punishing anyone involved in accordance with the laws.

“Any organizations and individuals committing such offences shall be handled under the laws without any exception,” Suu announced. He also added that Hanoi is home to 500 traditional markets and 112 supermarkets, serving needs of the people.

“We have worked with and clarified responsibilities of all involved parties, including the Management Board of the market, the People’s Committee of the district and the district police. Any market that has the similar situation shall be sternly handled,” Suu emphasized.

Regarding the issue, Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Son, Deputy Minister of Public Security, stressed that the case at the Long Bien night market was unacceptable. Regarding the allegations that the gangs were protected by the local police, the Deputy Minister asked the reporters for more information and evidence.

He added that the Municipal Police Department of Hanoi has been investigating the case and would soon come to a conclusion of the case. Deputy Minister Son also informed that the Municipal Police Department of Hanoi has already prosecuted this criminal case.

He also appreciated the positive participation of the press in preventing and fighting crimes.