A former police officer in the north-central province of Nghe An on Thursday agreed to pay back VND682 million (US$30,000) he had received from a neighbor after being pressured by the female lender and her family, who erected a tent and camped outside in front of his house for six days straight.

Trinh Van Nha, chairman of Thanh Chuong District, Nghe An, said on Thursday evening that Tran Dinh Duc, who was a former deputy police chief of the district, had paid back VND182 million ($7,850) as the first installment of the debt he owes to his female neighbor, Ngo Thi Chung.

Duc pledged to return the remaining VND500 million ($22,150) to Chung in three months, according to the chairman.

Earlier, Chung said in her report that during her time working at Duc’s house, she gave him VND682 million to have him purchase a plot of land on her behalf.

The amount of money was from her husband, a guest worker overseas.

She recently asked the former cop whether he had purchased the land or not, but he dodged the question. Later, he denied having received any money from her at all.

Chung said she had no document to prove the transaction as she had complete trust in the man.

Since August 14, Chung and her relatives and friends had gathered in front of Duc’s house to pressure him into giving the money back.

They erected a tent and camped outside the residence, refusing to leave for six days straight.

Ngo Thi Chung and her family members erect a tent in front of the house of a former police officer to pressure him into paying back VND682 million (US$30,000) in debt in Thanh Chuong District, Nghe An Province, Vietnam. Photo: Doan Hoa / Tuoi Tre

The unusual occurrence attracted the attention of around a hundred people, forcing Duc and his family to stay inside their house.

The case also prompted the local police unit to carry out an investigation. They directly spoke to the two families to settle the case.

After Duc agreed to repay the money he owes on Thursday, many neighbors congratulated Chung and her family on the news.

Late the same day, Chung and her family removed the tent and brought their makeshift beds home after six days sleeping in front of the former police officer’s house.

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