Nguyen Kim Tien, a former beauty queen known for her charity work, has been sentenced to 39 months in prison for abusing her influence to extort benefits by offering protection to illegally operating trucks.
Nguyen Kim Tien crowned at a beauty pageant
From Beauty Queen to Criminal
Nguyen Kim Tien (59 years old), residing in Hoa Hieu Ward, Thai Hoa Town, Nghe An, is the Director of Kim Tien Trading and Service Joint Stock Company and the Director of Kim Tien Dai Phat Agricultural Cooperative. She was known for her positive image in charitable and social activities and was praised by the press. However, behind that glamorous appearance was a truck “protection” ring operating illegally.
Truck “Protection” Racket Exposed
In January 2024, under the direction of the Nghe An Provincial Police, the Criminal Police Department coordinated with functional units to dismantle the truck “protection” ring led by Nguyen Kim Tien. During the search of her residence and farm, the police seized many letters of introduction from magazines, press collaborator cards, laptops, cameras, etc.
Police searching Nguyen Kim Tien's residence
Exploiting Press Credentials for Profit
From October 2020 until her arrest, Nguyen Kim Tien received VND 1.3 billion from truck owners in Nghe An to stick her company’s logo on their trucks. This logo was intended to help the trucks operate smoothly, avoiding inspection and penalties when violating traffic laws. She also used her press credentials to influence, request leniency, or reduce penalties for drivers.
Verdict for the “Kind Beauty”
At the trial, Nguyen Kim Tien initially did not admit to committing the crime. Later, she changed her testimony, admitting to calling to influence traffic police. Despite presenting many mitigating circumstances, such as having received awards and actively participating in charity work, the Trial Panel still sentenced her to 39 months in prison and confiscated VND 804 million of illicit money. This “trucks and beauty queen” case serves as a cautionary lesson for those who exploit their titles and positions for profit.
