The recent arrests of several criminal kingpins highlight the relentless efforts of law enforcement in the fight against organized crime. Taking down these figures not only dismantles illicit networks but also helps restore public safety. VietNamNet revisits the criminal dossiers of notorious gang leaders to shed light on the determined pursuit of justice by the authorities.

From gifted student to notorious rogue

Thanh Hoa province has long been known for its hardened criminals, including the recently apprehended Tuan "the Transformer." Yet, over 35 years ago, the name that sent chills through the region was Hien "Silver Hair."

Born in 1965 in Cam Son commune, Cam Thuy district, Thanh Hoa, Nguyen Manh Hien grew up in a poor farming family. Even as a child, he showed exceptional intelligence and academic performance. From first grade through twelfth, he consistently ranked among the top students.

But alongside his academic prowess was a rebellious streak. Hien was notorious for his unconventional behavior, often leading fights at school and in his neighborhood.

After graduating high school, Hien passed the entrance exam to the National Economics University in Hanoi. However, instead of focusing on studies, he frequented cafés and nightlife spots, seeking quick ways to make money. His street smarts and willingness to confront local thugs earned him a reputation, especially with a striking patch of prematurely white hair that gave rise to the nickname “Silver-haired Hien.”

A violent altercation with known gang members in front of the university led to his expulsion. Returning to his hometown, Hien quickly assembled a gang and embarked on a spree of robberies. Within a year, his criminal network had made a name for itself across the region. During one such heist in Ha Trung district, Hien was captured and sentenced to eight years in prison.

From prison break to gangland warlord

Just a year into his sentence, Hien escaped from prison by exploiting a lapse in guard supervision. He fled to Kịt Cave in Lung Cao commune, Ba Thuoc district - then a hub for illegal gold mining operations. Its remote, mountainous terrain made it an ideal hideout, virtually impregnable.

Upon arrival, Hien reassembled a new gang. They quickly dominated the area, coercing small-scale miners into working under his control and forcibly taking over gold-rich territories. His operations were ruthless, often involving detailed plans followed by raids with firearms and other deadly weapons.

At the peak of his power, mere mention of Silver-haired Hien's name instilled fear in local miners and residents alike. With violent raids and territorial dominance, he earned a new title: “the bandit general.”

His gang's terror extended beyond the gold fields. Locals dreaded their presence, knowing that a wrong word or look could provoke brutal retaliation.

With public safety under threat, Thanh Hoa police launched a special operation to dismantle Hien’s criminal enterprise. Undercover officers posed as miners, infiltrating the caves to map out hideouts and assess the gang’s weapon cache.

When preparations were complete, on September 10, 1990, police forces from Thanh Hoa, Ha Tay, and Hoa Binh launched a coordinated assault on Kịt Cave. After four days of intense pursuit, authorities arrested Hien and 23 of his closest associates, seizing a cache of firearms and weapons.

On November 1, 1991, the Thanh Hoa People’s Court sentenced Nguyen Manh Hien to death.

Le Duong