In a disturbing case from Thanh Hoa, two young female employees were allegedly confined to a container at a karaoke bar due to an inflated debt of 70 million VND. The situation came to light on October 7, when police arrested Le Do Hieu, 28, the owner of the karaoke establishment, for human trafficking and illegal detention.

According to the investigation, the girls, aged 15 and 17, were discovered by the police during a routine inspection of the karaoke bar. They showed signs of being coerced into living and working at the establishment. The 15-year-old had previously borrowed 3 million VND from the karaoke owner to purchase personal items. When she wanted to change jobs, she contacted a male employee from another karaoke bar, who facilitated her transfer to the new establishment.

After two months, the girls, along with two other employees, attempted to resign but were told they owed a total of 32 million VND. The situation escalated when Hieu, the bar owner, was informed of the girls' debts and subsequently forced the 15-year-old to assume a debt of 65 million VND, claiming it was her responsibility for the other employees who had fled.

To prevent further escapes, Hieu ordered the girls to live in a container on the premises, with a guard monitoring them. The guard was accused of locking the container at night and restricting the girls' movements, requiring permission to leave even for basic needs.

This case highlights the serious issue of human trafficking and illegal labor practices in the karaoke industry, particularly involving minors. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the operation and the roles of other individuals involved.