Police in central Vietnam have arrested six suspects accused of trafficking and exploiting a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly forced to work at karaoke bars in Da Nang and Quang Ngai.
Authorities say the case involves child trafficking, illegal detention, physical abuse, and forced labor, raising renewed concerns over the exploitation of minors in parts of Vietnam’s entertainment industry.
The Criminal Police Department of Da Nang City Police announced on May 5 that officers had issued emergency detention orders against six individuals for alleged trafficking of persons under 16 and unlawful detention.
The suspects were identified as Nguyen Thi Diep, 36, Tran Thai Bao, 20, Duong Minh Thanh, 32, Lam Gia Huy, 21, Truong Dinh Hieu, 36, and Dang Quang Hau, 24.
According to investigators, police had been monitoring several karaoke venues in Da Nang and nearby areas after detecting signs of illegal recruitment and transfer of female workers.
The investigation accelerated on May 1 after authorities received information about a girl born in August 2012, aged 13 years and 9 months, who had allegedly escaped from Karaoke Tuong Vy in Ly Son Special Zone, Quang Ngai, and returned home at the end of April.
Police said the victim was deeply traumatized and initially could only remember the suspects’ nicknames, making identification difficult.
Despite limited information, investigators reportedly summoned 11 related individuals within 12 hours of receiving the report.
Initial findings suggest that Duong Minh Thanh, Tran Thai Bao, and Lam Gia Huy allegedly detained, assaulted, and forced the girl to work to repay debts.
Authorities further allege that through the involvement of Nguyen Thi Diep, the victim was later transferred to Truong Dinh Hieu and Dang Quang Hau, who continued exploiting her for labor at a karaoke establishment in Quang Ngai.
Police said the suspects have admitted to their involvement.
Investigators also seized documents, electronic data, and financial transaction records believed to be connected to the alleged trafficking operation.
The case has sparked widespread concern online, particularly over the vulnerability of minors to exploitation and the role of informal labor networks operating around karaoke venues and nightlife businesses.
Vietnamese authorities have intensified efforts in recent years to combat human trafficking and child exploitation, especially cases involving minors transported between provinces for illegal labor or entertainment-related activities.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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