Man Digs up Family Member’s Grave, Seeks Ransom to Cover Gambling Debt

Many people affected by problem gambling may resort to unlawful activities. Pushed by a crippling addiction, gamblers can consider stealing, engaging in fraudulent actions or even shooting a coworker over an unpaid gambling debt.

In a recent shocking case from Vietnam, one man thought that it was a good idea to extort his relatives by desecrating the grave of a deceased family member.

The Man Is Facing a Couple of Charges but May Stay for a Long Time Behind Bars

The man expected to receive a significant sum that would be used to settle a gambling debt. Instead, he was arrested and now faces charges that can leave him behind bars for nearly three decades. The upsetting case involves a 37-year-old man with the initials L.T.N., who resorted to desecrating the grave of a deceased uncle, Republic reported Wednesday.

The man sent a text message to one of his relatives, asking to receive a whopping 5 billion Vietnamese dong, or approximately $203,000. In exchange, the 37-year-old said that he would return the remains he took after digging up his uncle’s grave. The man told his relative not to contact law enforcement, threatening them that the remains may never be found if that happens.

The culprit made the threat early in September and several days later, on September 12, he was arrested. For his crimes, the 37-year-old faces charges related to extortion and grave desecration. In light of the charges the man is facing, he may stay behind bars for a long time.

This is because extortion alone is subject to up to 20 years of imprisonment. To make matters worse, the grave desecration charge may bring another seven years behind bars for the culprit. Still, it’s important to note that charges against the 37-year-old need to be proven in court as before that they are merely accusations.

An Unthinkable Criminal and Disrespectful Act

Pressured by a piling gambling debt in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, the 37-year-old decided to dig up his uncle’s grave. To complete the unthinkable and unethical crime, the man went to the grave of his uncle and used a shovel to dig a small hole.

The man then collected part of the remains of his deceased relative and hid them in a nearby greenery. He then went on to contact his cousin’s wife, made the threats and demanded the ransom.

Not only are the actions of the man unlawful, but they are also extremely disrespectful in Vietnam. Disturbing graves is thought to disrupt the soul of the deceased person while bringing bad luck to the living. After the arrest, the family re-buried the remains following local rituals and hoping to bring peace to the spirit of their deceased family member.