The Criminal Investigation Division, in coordination with other units of Gia Lai provincial police, broke up the interprovincial dog theft operation on the morning of February 7.

Six suspects were arrested, and 23 dogs weighing a total of approximately 270 kilograms were seized.

Hoang Van Hoan, born in 1984 and residing at 55 Lu Gia Street, Thong Nhat Ward, Gia Lai Province, was identified as the ringleader.

The accomplices include Tran Minh Bau, born in 1985, Pham Minh Phuc, born in 1989, both residing in Pleiku Ward, and Nguyen Van Duc, born in 1989, who lives in Dien Hong Ward.

The suspects reportedly gathered at Hoan’s house around 11pm each night.

They would change clothes and license plates before splitting into pairs to carry out the thefts.

The group used electric stun devices and wire loops to capture dogs between midnight and 4am.

A search of the suspects’ residences uncovered multiple stun guns, wire loops, more than one kilogram of chili powder, and four motorcycles.

Investigators said the group was prepared to use chili powder and electric batons to resist if discovered.

The stolen dogs were gathered at a house located at 24 Le Dai Hanh Street, Thong Nhat Ward.

Police later arrested Hoang Thanh Hung, born in 1990 and residing in Dak Song Commune, Lam Dong Province, at this location.

Hung was responsible for acting as a lookout.

Tran Van Toan, born in 1986 and residing in Dak Ro Wa Commune, Quang Ngai Province, was identified as the main buyer.

Toan would ride a motorcycle towing a trailer to collect the dogs around 5pm each day.

He then transported the animals to northern provinces or sold them to nearby dog meat restaurants.

Investigative documents show that from 2025 to the present, the group stole around 20 dogs per day.

The total number of stolen dogs is estimated at approximately 5,200, with a combined weight of 52 tonnes.

Authorities estimate that the operation generated illegal profits of around 2.6 billion VND, equivalent to roughly $105,000.

Tran Hoan