The Ho Chi Minh City Civil Judgment Enforcement Department released the appraisal results on April 14, confirming that the two bags - sized 25 and 30 - were assessed based on their condition and specifications.

According to the appraisal certificate, the size 25 white Hermès bag, featuring white stones set on the lock and trim, is valued at more than VND1.7 billion (US$68,000). Meanwhile, the size 30 white Hermès bag, without stones or decorative materials, is priced at over VND2.3 billion (US$92,000).

The enforcement agency stated that within five working days from receiving the notice, both the judgment creditor and debtor have the right to request a revaluation once, provided they advance the associated costs. The parties may also reach an agreement on selecting an auction organization.

If no request for revaluation is made within the deadline, or if the parties fail to agree on an auction unit, the enforcement officer will proceed to select and sign a contract with an auction organization in accordance with legal regulations.

Earlier, on January 28, authorities completed the coercive seizure and inventory of the two white Hermès handbags linked to Truong My Lan.

During the first-instance trial, Lan had requested the court to return the bags, stating that many of her personal belongings - including handbags, mobile phones and shoes - had been seized during the investigation. She said one Hermès bag was purchased in Italy, while the other was a gift from a Malaysian businessman.

However, the trial panel determined that both white Hermès handbags under seizure were derived from criminal proceeds or formed from assets obtained through illegal activities, and therefore ordered their continued confiscation.

At the appellate hearing, Lan reiterated her request to reclaim the size 25 and size 30 white Hermès bags, arguing that they were her personal property and unrelated to the case. The appellate court, however, upheld the original ruling, maintaining that the assets were linked to criminal proceeds and must remain in custody to ensure enforcement of the judgment.

Thanh Phuong