VietNamNet Bridge – Two wanted criminals were arrested on Wednesday after absconding for 10 years, according to the police of southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.

Ho Van Duoc. — Photos plo.vn

Tran Van Chien and Ho Van Duoc were wanted for the criminal acts of stealing underground cables, chargeable as a crime linked with destroying key national security-related works under the Criminal Code.

In 2006, Chien was hired by Nguyen Thi Sam, a resident of Ward 5 of Vung Tau City, as the captain of a fishing boat and was tasked with cutting underground sea cables since he knew the position of these cables.

Chien and his crew cut 100 tonnes of cables in 2007. While it was docked in Sao Mai of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Chien’s boat was seized with the stolen cables on board.

Sam was issued an administrative penalty.

Chien persisted in going out to sea to cut cables, under the instructions of Sam. While Chien was cutting some 30 tonnes of cables, he was spotted by those aboard a nearby foreign vessel, and they took a photograph of him. To avoid capture, he rushed to the shore and went on the lam.

In 2007, the police launched criminal proceedings against Chien, putting him on the wanted list.

During his 10-year absence, Chien moved continually around the country and cut ties with his family in Soc Trang Province as well as his wife in Vung Tau City.

Chien was found working in construction in Binh Chanh District, HCM City.

The other criminal, Duoc, was investigated for the criminal act of cutting telephone cables in Tan Thanh District of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.

In 2003, Duoc and his accomplices cut 140kg of cable and sold it for VND1.4 million (US$70).

When the district police discovered his activities, he went on the run while his accomplices were arrested.

After 15 years in hiding, Duoc was arrested in Lai Uyen Commune, Bau Bang District, Binh Duong Province.

Police have placed him in detention for two months while they resume the investigation.

Tran Van Chien.

Source: VNS