On 28/1, Le Minh Thanh, 49, and four others were temporarily detained by the Ho Chi Minh City Police Criminal Investigation Department, in coordination with Tan Hung ward police (formerly of District 7), for investigation into theft and receiving stolen property.

The investigative agency made this move as Ho Chi Minh City Police launched an intensive campaign to crack down on crime and ensure security and order during the Tet holiday.

Police arrested the theft gang and seized dozens of bags containing dogs and cats. Video: Ho Chi Minh City Police

This morning, criminal investigators, in coordination with Tan Hung ward police, inspected a house on Le Van Luong street, where they discovered Thanh's group hiding two dogs and 30 cats in mesh bags. The total weight of the animals was about 92 kg.

Police seized many exhibits, including: scales, cloth bags, specialized nylon ropes used for stealing dogs and cats, and four motorcycles used as vehicles for the crimes.

Thanh, along with Nguyen Duy Thien (30) and Pham Minh Phuoc (54), admitted to stealing dogs and cats in Tan Hung ward and nearby high-end residential areas. The animals were sold to Le Quoc Khanh (25) and Nguyen Hoang Long (26) for distribution.

The five arrested individuals (center). Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

The investigative agency is expanding the case, while also advising residents to manage their pets strictly and not let them roam freely, to protect property and maintain security and order in residential areas.

Nhat Vy