VietNamNet Bridge – Two ATMs of Vietcombank in Dien Khanh district of Khanh Hoa province were allegedly destroyed by four foreigners on March 29 who took VND1.4 billion (nearly $70,000).

Major General Tran Ngoc Khanh, Director of Khanh Hoa Provincial Police Agency, said the local police were investigating the case.

"There are four suspects who were identified as foreigners. This is a new form of crime, which is very bold. Previously, foreign criminals stole cash from ATMs by using high-tech equipment to steal codes or fake cards to withdraw money but this group of criminals used welding machines to cut the cash drawer," Major General Khanh said.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred at about 3am on March 29, at the two ATMs of the Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank), placed at the Nga Ba Thanh Post Office in Dien Khanh town.

The thieves cut the steel window on the second floor of the post office to break into the building. They then destroyed another door lock on the first floor and the lock behind the two ATMs, and finally used welding machine to cut the cash drawers and took the money.

Four foreigners fled on a car and a motorbike in two different directions, according to some motorbike taxi drivers, who went to the post office after hearing loud noises.

Kien Thuc