This morning (October 11), the police in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, confirmed they had officially charged and temporarily detained Pous Moshtaghhossein (50, Iranian national) for "Theft of Property."

District 1 police are currently compiling further evidence to transfer the case to the Criminal Investigation Department of Ho Chi Minh City for appropriate jurisdiction.

Pous Moshtaghhossein used a "magic trick" to steal a large amount of money from a Russian couple. Photo: Police Department

According to the initial investigation, on September 27, Pous approached Mr. D.S. (39, Russian national) and his wife at a store on Hai Ba Trung Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

While engaging them in conversation, Pous asked about distinguishing between new and old U.S. dollar bills. He pulled out a wad of U.S. dollars to show off and asked to see some Russian rubles. Mr. D.S. then took money from his wallet and handed it to Pous for inspection.

At that moment, Pous quickly grabbed Mr. D.S.'s wallet, took out another stack of foreign currency, and started counting it. In a matter of seconds, he returned the money to Mr. D.S. and left the store.

After a short while, Mr. D.S. and his wife counted their money and realized some of it was missing. They reported the theft to the police, stating that they had lost 25 $100 bills, three €100 bills, and one €50 bill.

Upon receiving the report, District 1 police took statements from those involved and reviewed security camera footage from the store, identifying Pous as the thief. Using investigative techniques, the police tracked Pous to a rental apartment on Mai Chi Tho Street in Thu Duc City.

Just three days after committing the crime, Pous was apprehended in a police sting. At the police station, he confessed to the theft.

Dam De