Can Tho City Police announced on 14/4 that they indicted Thuy, a 44-year-old resident of Chau Doc ward, An Giang province, and 26 accomplices, aged 20 to 49, for robbery under Article 171 of the Criminal Code. Three individuals were released on bail due to caring for young children or pregnancy. Investigators are actively searching for the remaining seven suspects, comprising two women and five men.

Huynh Thi Bich Thuy at the police station. *Photo: Can Tho Police*

Authorities initially identified the group as comprising 34 people, including 13 women, mostly from An Giang. Led by Thuy, the gang operated in an organized, professional, and aggressive manner, with specific roles assigned to its members. They typically monitored crowded events and festivals, exploiting vulnerabilities to stage scenarios of pushing and shoving, then snatching valuable property.

A notable incident occurred on 8/3 when Thuy and her members traveled in a 29-seat car to the Lien Hoa Bao Thap tourist area in An Ninh commune, Can Tho City. There, the group approached and surrounded a woman in an open courtyard, creating a scene of chaotic jostling. As the victim struggled to exit, a woman standing behind her suddenly snatched a necklace from her neck. The victim immediately turned and grabbed the hand of the person behind her but found no property. This individual feigned innocence, causing the victim to release her grip. About 20 seconds later, the entire group dispersed in various directions.

Security cameras recorded the entire incident, which subsequently circulated on social media. Using this evidence, Can Tho City Police investigated and arrested Thuy and her involved members. Can Tho City Police continue to call upon victims to report incidents to aid in the investigation and expansion of the case. They also advise the public to increase vigilance when attending festivals and crowded places, and to limit carrying or wearing valuable property to avoid exploitation.

Seven of the members of the staged robbery gang led by Thuy were arrested. *Photo: Can Tho Police*

The Lien Hoa Bao Thap structure, inaugurated in late January, was built on an area of over 4 hectares. Its centerpiece is a lotus-shaped stupa, approximately 68 meters tall and 99 meters in diameter, comprising three floors. Inside, it houses a 19-ton, 6.8-meter-tall statue of Medicine Buddha. Since its opening, the tourist area has attracted many residents and tourists, with some reports indicating instances of pickpocketing and necklace snatching.

An Binh