Russian man jailed for kidnapping, robbing compatriot

Khlebostroev Konstantin, 25, was put on trial before Binh Thuan People’s Court for robbery. Khlebostroev committed the crime with Kristalenko Dmitrii, 29, and two others, though all three have left Vietnam.

Khlebostroev was accused of threatening and stealing VND45 million ($1,940) from Shedko Dmitrii, 34, another Russian who was sentenced to seven months in jail late last month for growing cannabis plants and storing narcotics, also in Binh Thuan.

Khlebostroev said he met Kristalenko’s group in the Central Highlands' Da Lat on Aug. 14, 2020. Kristalenko said Shedko owed him money but hadn't paid it back, and if Khlebostroev went with him to collect the debt, he would get some money too.

The same afternoon, the group traveled to Binh Thuan's Phan Thiet Town. Since Khlebostroev already knew Shedko beforehand, he texted him for a meet-up at an intersection.

When Shedko arrived, Khlebostroev kicked him off his motorbike. Shedko tried to run away but was caught by the group, beaten and thrown into a car. He was then threatened to give the group VND40 million. Shedko said he didn’t have the money, and requested going to a friend’s house a few kilometers away to get a loan. The group took VND5 million from Shedko’s wallet while inside the car.

Unable to borrow the money, Shedko was taken to a hotel and had his arm broken. Later, he managed to obtain VND40 million from another Russian friend.

After receiving the money, the group let Shedko go and returned to Da Lat. Khlebostroev got VND4 million and some marijuana in reward. He was arrested by police about 10 months later.

In court, Khlebostroev said he regretted his actions and wished for leniency.