On 30/5, Ho Chi Minh City Police announced the arrest of Phan Tan Dat, 39 years old, residing in Tan Dong Hiep ward, along with five accomplices, for investigation into "robbery" and "failure to report a crime."
Police seized 11 gold chains, over 127 million VND in cash, 4 motorcycles, 7 phones, and various other exhibits, vehicles, and clothing used during the crime.
According to the investigation, Dat conceived the idea of robbing a gold store due to outstanding debts and a need for money. To find accomplices, he joined social media groups, recruiting and contacting individuals to participate.
After agreeing on a plan, the group surveyed the Kim Thanh An Phu 2 gold store in Tan Dong Hiep ward. They noted that the area was deserted at midday, lacked security guards, and offered a favorable escape route. Dat and his accomplices prepared axes, gloves, motorcycles, and rented a hotel room to finalize their strategy.
As per the assignment, two individuals would directly enter the gold store to smash the display cases and seize the assets. The remaining members would wait outside with their motorcycle engines running, ready to assist in the escape.
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The gold store robbery group was arrested. Photo: Thai Ha
Around 13h on 26/5, the group arrived at Kim Thanh An Phu 2 gold store on motorcycles. Two individuals, armed with axes, rushed in, shattered the display cases, and quickly collected the gold. When confronted by the store owner and relatives, they immediately jumped onto their waiting accomplices' motorcycles and fled.
After the crime, the group went to a secluded area in Bien Hoa ward, Dong Nai, where they changed clothes, discarded the vehicles, weapons, and related items to avoid detection. Subsequently, the group divided the stolen gold and dispersed to various other localities.
After 24 hours of investigation, Ho Chi Minh City Police detectives, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security, apprehended the entire group.
On 29/5, Ho Chi Minh City Police issued an emergency arrest warrant for Dat and four others on charges of "robbery." Tran Ba Dan was processed for "failure to report a crime."
Phuoc Tuan
