Police in Ho Chi Minh City have detained 12 suspects in an alleged pet theft and trafficking ring believed to have stolen and sold about 2,700 cats, with several recovered animals already reunited with their owners.
On October 5, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Investigation Agency launched criminal proceedings and detained 12 suspects on allegations of property theft.
Those facing charges are Luu Thanh Binh, born in 1987 and from Can Tho, who police identified as the alleged ringleader and buyer of stolen cats; Vo Hoai Nam, born in 2005; Nguyen Dinh Huy, born in 2007; Nguyen Tuan Anh, born in 2004; Bui Thanh Hao, born in 2004; Le Nguyen Duy Anh, born in 2008; Nguyen Tran Trung Hieu, born in 2008; Nguyen Gia Han, born in 2009; Tran Hoang Kip, born in 2008; Ha Tien Dat, born in 2009; Le Minh Phat, born in 2008; and N.H.M.H., born in 2010.
The 12 suspects detained in connection with the alleged cat theft ring. Photo: Police
Earlier, while monitoring the area, police in Dong Thanh commune detected a group suspected of stealing domestic animals at night.
The group's activities allegedly extended across Dong Thanh and Hoc Mon communes and Tan Thoi Hiep and An Hoi Tay wards, seriously affecting public security, social order and residents' property, according to police.
During their investigation, officers identified Binh as a central figure who allegedly coordinated with the thieves and purchased stolen cats.
Binh rented premises at 34/44 TX39 Street in Quarter 17, Thoi An Ward, where live cats were allegedly gathered before being resold for profit. Police said he also supplied members of the ring with homemade cat traps.
The suspects allegedly operated in small groups, traveling by motorbike through residential neighborhoods between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Authorities return a recovered cat to his owners. Photo: Police
Each group typically stole between four and 10 cats a night. In initial statements to investigators, the suspects admitted to stealing and selling around 2,700 cats, according to police.
During a search of the group's premises, officers recovered 50 cats, 55 homemade cat traps and other evidence related to the case.
Authorities have returned 13 cats to 13 owners. The remaining animals are being cared for by the HAVEPAWS social center while authorities work to identify their owners.
Ho Chi Minh City police have asked residents whose cats have been stolen to contact Dong Thanh commune police or the HAVEPAWS social center at 54 Street No. 15, Residential Area of Hamlet 5, Phong Phu, Binh Hung commune, to assist with identification and reclaim their pets.
Vietnamnet.vn
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