Former Co-opBank deputy director arrested for embezzling billions

Authorities in Thanh Hoa Province have arrested Nguyen Thi Van, the former deputy director of the Vietnam Cooperative Bank (Co-opBank) branch in the region. She faces charges of abusing her position and power to embezzle assets, accused of appropriating billions of Vietnamese dong from her acquaintances.

According to initial investigations by the Economic Police Department, Van, who served as deputy director from 2025 to June 2026, allegedly lured relatives and friends into depositing savings at Co-opBank Thanh Hoa by offering high interest rates. Instead of processing these deposits through the bank, she reportedly used forged signatures and seals to create fake savings account books, deceiving the depositors.

These funds were then allegedly used for personal expenses. The investigation has so far identified that Van defrauded and misappropriated 5 billion VND from a 49-year-old woman and 1.5 billion VND from another 39-year-old woman. Both victims reside in Thanh Hoa Province.

The Thanh Hoa Provincial Police are continuing to expand their investigation into the case, aiming to clarify the responsibilities of any other individuals or organizations involved. They have also issued a public announcement, urging anyone who may have been a victim of Nguyen Thi Van to contact investigator Tran Dang Nam at 0911539999 for guidance and resolution.

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The investigation has determined that Nguyen Thi Van defrauded and misappropriated 5 billion VND from Ms. C.T.T (49 years old, residing in Luu Ve commune, Thanh Hoa) and 1.5 billion VND from Ms. L.T.H (39 years old, residing in Hac Thanh ward, Thanh Hoa).