Russian man sentenced to 18 years for murdering compatriot in Vietnam

A Russian national has been sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Binh Thuan People's Court in Vietnam after being found guilty of murdering a fellow countryman following a dispute over housing arrangements.

The Crime & Investigation
Roman Nikiforov, 41, was convicted on Friday for the killing of Vasilii Echushin, 45, a case that shocked the coastal tourism hotspot Ham Tien-Mui Ne, Binh Thuan Province, when Echushin’s body was discovered in a field in 2024.

Court records reveal that on January 30, 2024, the two men got into an argument after Echushin asked Nikiforov for help in finding a new rental apartment. Their current residence in Phan Thiet City was set to be sold, and Echushin hoped they would move together. However, Nikiforov stated that he planned to rent a new place for himself alone, which infuriated Echushin, leading him to accuse Nikiforov of deception and attempt to assault him.

Believing Echushin was reaching for a weapon, Nikiforov retaliated by striking him multiple times on the head with a hammer, resulting in Echushin’s death.

Cover-Up & Arrest
After the killing, Nikiforov wrapped the body in a bed sheet and discarded it in a field before meticulously cleaning the crime scene and disposing of the victim’s belongings.

However, his efforts to hide the crime were futile. Locals discovered the corpse two days later, prompting a police investigation that quickly identified Nikiforov as the prime suspect.

Trial & Verdict
During the trial, Nikiforov admitted to the crime and pleaded for leniency, but the court handed down a severe 18-year prison sentence due to the brutal nature of the killing.

The case highlights the dangers of violent disputes and serves as a stark reminder of how personal conflicts can escalate into deadly confrontations.