Nguyen Van Lil, 27, Tran Bao Quoc, 30, and Dang Trung Nghia, 25, were arrested on 15/9 by Ho Chi Minh City police on charges of robbery.

Nguyen Van Lil (center) and his accomplices. Photo: Police Department.

Nguyen Van Lil (center) and his accomplices. Photo: Police Department.

In the early morning hours of 7/9, the three men approached two 21-year-olds sitting on a bench in Thuan Kieu Park in what was formerly District 12. They identified themselves as police officers and demanded identification.

When the two young men refused, Lil and his accomplices assaulted them, stole two phones and other belongings, and fled.

Following the report, Dong Hung Thuan Ward Police coordinated with the Investigative Police Agency Office, the Criminal Police Department, and other specialized units to apprehend Lil, Quoc, and Nghia.

The group confessed to planning their robberies, targeting individuals in the early morning hours. Their strategy involved impersonating police officers to catch victims off guard before robbing them. They admitted to resorting to violence if victims resisted.

Nhat Vy