Actress Truong Ngoc Anh Arrested
Actress Truong Ngoc Anh, 49, is under investigation for serious allegations involving embezzlement and abuse of trust. On October 31, she was arrested by the Economic Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City on charges related to supposedly misappropriating thousands of gold taels and billions of Vietnamese dong.
Background and Allegations Against Truong Ngoc Anh
Truong Ngoc Anh previously held the position of Chairwoman and Director of Dat Rong Real Estate Company. The company, established in 2007, is based on Dao Duy Anh Street in Duc Nhuan Ward. Allegations surfaced after the company accused her of misappropriating its assets.
- Years active: Since 2007
- Position prior to arrest: Chairwoman and Director of Dat Rong Real Estate Company
- Amount claimed misappropriated: Thousands of gold taels, billions of VND
Her business dealings involved an investment of $9.1 million (approximately 149 billion VND) from an Irish investor named Mr. Pham. These funds were intended for two real estate projects, including the Indochine building on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. For this specific project, Pham transferred $4.49 million (around 72 billion VND).
Details of the Indochine Project
According to a contract signed on January 25, 2008, the Indochine project was to be registered under Dat Rong’s ownership, valued at over 12,917 gold taels. However, investigations revealed discrepancies. Prior to the contract signing, Truong Ngoc Anh and a colleague signed personal contracts with four households in the project area for only 7,917 gold taels.
- Verified payment: 3,000 gold taels by Truong Ngoc Anh
- False accounting: Claimed 4,458 gold taels were spent
- Investigation finding: Evidence of fraud and project value inflation
Additionally, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee had previously announced the reclaim of the land for school expansion, compensating the households over 26.1 billion VND. However, it is alleged that only 3 billion VND was returned to the company, while more than 10 billion VND was allegedly used for personal expenses without proper reporting.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation also highlights that Truong Ngoc Anh allegedly abused her power, illegally withdrawing funds from the company’s accounts and manipulating financial reports to cover her actions.
Truong Ngoc Anh’s Career
Truong Ngoc Anh is a well-known figure in the Vietnamese entertainment industry. She has starred in films such as “Dong Tien Xuong Mau” and “Ao Lua Ha Dong.” She gained fame at 16 in the film “Em va Michael Jackson” and was crowned Miss New Model International in 1998.
With over 30 years in the industry, she has worked as a model, actress, and singer. In recent years, she has shifted towards film production, creating notable works like “Huong Ga,” “Truy Sat,” and “Ve Si Sai Gon.” She also served as a judge for several international film festivals and received the title “Best Asian Actress” at the Seoul International Drama Awards. Additionally, she held the title of president for Miss Earth Vietnam 2023.
The investigation into Truong Ngoc Anh continues as authorities seek to uncover the full scope of her alleged embezzlement.
