Hanoi Taxi Driver Arrested for Extorting Ethnic Minority Passenger with Inflated Fare

Hanoi police have arrested a taxi driver accused of extorting VND4.2 million (approximately US$160) from a young ethnic Hmong man for a 30-kilometer ride—an amount nearly ten times higher than the typical fare.

Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that Thai Ngoc Anh, 32, a resident of Thanh Xuan District, is under investigation for alleged extortion. Several other individuals allegedly involved in the incident, which occurred last Friday, have also been detained for questioning.

According to police reports, the victim, Giang Ho, 25, from Muong Khuong District in Lao Cai Province, and his 32-year-old aunt, Cu Mua, were attempting to return home after receiving medical treatment in Hanoi. At approximately 2 p.m., the pair used a ride-hailing service to travel from the National Children’s Hospital to My Dinh Bus Station, only to discover that their bus had already departed.

They were then approached by two motorbike taxi drivers who offered to help them catch the bus at its next stop along Pham Hung Street. After riding for roughly one kilometer, the drivers informed the passengers that the bus had already entered the expressway, suggesting they switch to a taxi to reach it.

The victims paid the motorbike drivers VND700,000 (US$26.83), which they were told included the cost of the forthcoming taxi ride. However, after traveling approximately 30 kilometers, taxi driver Thai Ngoc Anh dropped them near the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway and demanded an additional VND4.2 million.

When Mr. Ho objected and requested the taxi driver’s phone number to verify the charge with the motorbike drivers, Anh allegedly threatened to drive them back to My Dinh Station unless they paid in full. Mr. Ho was forced to borrow the money from relatives in order to avoid further confrontation.

After exiting the vehicle, Mr. Ho and his aunt attempted to reach the expressway on foot, where they encountered a passing driver who offered them a free ride to catch their bus. That driver recorded the story and later shared it on social media, drawing significant public attention.

Based on standard taxi fare rates in Hanoi—typically VND10,000 to VND12,000 for the first one to two kilometers and VND11,000 to VND15,000 for each subsequent kilometer—a 30-kilometer trip should not exceed VND400,000 (US$15.30).

The case has sparked strong public outcry over the exploitation of vulnerable passengers and highlights the need for stricter oversight and regulation of informal transportation services.

Hanoi authorities say the investigation is ongoing.