Chapter 65 — Shrimp Street Without Name

The arrest of two employees at the warehouse, even at a low level in the organization, brought a new breakthrough when one of them, under the pressure of irrefutable evidence, decided to cooperate with the investigation agency in exchange for leniency. This person, a logistics worker named Tuan, revealed information about an upcoming private meeting between Mr. Bao and several other senior figures of the network, held at a private resort outside the city.

“This may be our opportunity to identify other key players in the organization,” the lieutenant announced, his voice filled with cautious excitement. “We are planning to monitor this meeting, hoping to collect more important evidence.”

While the investigation agency prepared for the surveillance operation, Hai Yen received another welcome news from the international rescue operation: the fourth of the human trafficking victims, who had worried the group for weeks because the detention facility was able to move before the authorities arrived, was finally located in a new location, in another country in the region.

“We are coordinating with local authorities to organize a rescue,” the international NGO representative announced via video call with Hai Yen and lawyer Hoang. “The situation is more complicated than last time because of cross-border legal issues, but we are confident there will be positive results soon.”

The overwhelming news, although bringing hope, also made Hai Yen feel overwhelmed by the increasing amount of work and responsibilities. She realized that she was no longer just a single individual seeking justice for her family, but had become an important link in a complex international coordination network, with increasingly great responsibility for the fate of many other people.

Three days later, the secret meeting at the resort took place exactly as the information Tuan provided. The investigation agency's surveillance team, operating from a safe distance with specialized equipment, recorded images of five attendees, including Mr. Bao and an unknown man who was later identified, through passport comparison at the airport, as Nguyen Dang Hoai - the first time the investigation agency had an authentic image of this mysterious character.

“We have confirmed his appearance and have evidence that he appeared directly with Mr. Bao,” the lieutenant reported in an emergency meeting immediately afterward, his voice filled with excitement. “This is the first photographic evidence confirming a direct connection between the two, an important step forward in demonstrating the guiding structure of the entire network.”

Hai Yen looked at the photo taken from afar. Even though the image was not too clear, she could still recognize the identifying characteristics that had been described many times: middle-aged figure, small scar in the corner of the left eye, luxurious dressing style. After weeks of existing only as a name and a sketch, this mysterious man finally had a real face, albeit still blurred through the lens from afar.

“Where is he now?” Hai Yen asked, her voice tense.

“The surveillance team watched him leave the resort after the meeting, but lost sight of him at a busy intersection in the city,” the lieutenant replied, his voice heavy. disappointing part. “He was very cautious, frequently changing his means of transportation, a sign that he had experience avoiding surveillance.”

Although Nguyen Dang Hoai cannot be arrested, having authentic images and evidence of a direct connection with Mr. Bao is still an important step forward. Lawyer Hoang proposed using this evidence to increase legal pressure, which may be enough to convince Mr. Bao, at the risk of facing serious charges alone, to consider fully cooperating with the investigation agency in exchange for leniency.

"If Mr. Bao chooses to cooperate and reveal everything he knows about Nguyen Dang Hoai and Mr. Vinh," lawyer Hoang analyzed, "this could be the fastest way for us to reach the roots of the entire organization, instead of having to continue to search for each link slowly like now."

Hai Yen nodded, although she had a complicated feeling in her heart when thinking about the possibility that Mr. Bao, the person who had caused so much suffering to her family and many other families, could be granted leniency in exchange for information. But she also understands that, in a fight against such a large-scale organized crime network, sometimes difficult compromises must be accepted to achieve a larger goal: to reveal the whole truth and prevent crimes from continuing.

In the evening, Hai Yen shared this thought with Kien, both of them pondering the thin line between justice and compromise. “I don't want Mr. Bao to be completely acquitted,” she said, her voice thoughtful. “But I also understand, if he can help us reach Mr. Vinh, the real head of the entire network, perhaps that is a necessary price to pay.”

“I think, in the end, this decision is not in our hands,” Kien said. "That is the decision of the prosecution, based on the law and leniency regulations. What we can do is ensure that, whatever the outcome, the full truth comes to light, and is not hidden or distorted by any agreement."

Hai Yen nodded, feeling somewhat comforted by his words. She understands that in a complex legal system, not everything can happen according to an individual's wishes, no matter how much that individual has sacrificed and devoted to this war.

A few days later, an unexpected development occurred: through the official communication channel, Mr. Bao's representative lawyer proactively contacted the investigation agency, proposing a meeting to "discuss the possibility of cooperation". This is the first sign that pressure from newly collected evidence has begun to make Mr. Bao seriously consider changing strategy.

“This could be the turning point we've been waiting for,” the lieutenant said during the update meeting. “If he is truly willing to cooperate fully, providing information about the entire chain of command, this will significantly speed up the process of bringing the case to a final conclusion.”

Hai Yen listened, feeling a complex mixture of emotions: hope for an important step forward, but also a little bitterness when thinking that the man who directly caused so much suffering to her family could avoid the most severe consequences thanks to this late cooperation.

“Whatever,” she said said, her voice finally finding calm, "the most important thing is that the truth is fully revealed, and that the victims, whether alive or dead, are properly recognized and remembered. If the road to get there has to go through a compromise with Mr. Bao, I will accept it, even if it is not easy."

The meeting between the lawyer representing Mr. Bao and the investigation agency took place three days later, lasting all afternoon. Hai Yen was not allowed to attend directly, but lawyer Hoang, as representing the victims in the case, was allowed to be present to protect the rights of the victims.

That evening, lawyer Hoang called to report the developments to Hai Yen. "Mr. Bao offered to provide all information about the leadership structure, including what he knew about Nguyen Dang Hoai and his relationship with Mr. Vinh, in exchange for a request to consider a reduced sentence and ensure the safety of his family during the proceedings."

“Does the investigation agency accept it?” Hai Yen asked.

“They are considering,” lawyer Hoang replied. "This is a complex decision that needs to be balanced between the benefits of having more important evidence and the principle that criminals should not be allowed to avoid responsibility too easily. I have proposed that any clemency agreement must be accompanied by a public admission of responsibility by him to the victims, not simply a private agreement between the parties."

Hai Yen felt somewhat relieved by lawyer Hoang's steadfastness in protecting the rights of victims, even when negotiating complex legal agreements. She understands that although the road ahead is still uncertain, at least she has trustworthy companions who always put the interests of justice and the victims first in every decision.