On 27/3, Manh Anh, 23, residing in Ha Tinh; Cao Trung Nam, 22, residing in Quynh Luu commune; and Thai Doan Hoang, 20, residing in Vinh Loc ward, were summoned by Nghe An Provincial Police for questioning regarding acts of asset extortion. The arrests followed an incident on 22/3 at approximately 9:30 PM, when the three, dressed in plain clothes, impersonated officers from the provincial "Task Force 373." They targeted traffic violators in Vinh Hung ward, an area formerly part of TP Vinh, with the intention of stopping vehicles and collecting illegal fines.

Officers of Nghe An Provincial Police's Task Force 373 on duty. Photo: V. Thanh

Authorities allege that the trio spotted a couple riding an electric motorbike without helmets. The three youths then overtook the couple, forced them to stop, threatened them, and demanded a "fine" of 500,000 VND for the alleged violation. During a routine security and order patrol, Vinh Hung Ward Police discovered Manh Anh, Nam, and Hoang accepting money from citizens. Police coordinated with the Nghe An Provincial Police's Mobile Police Department to arrest the three individuals on the spot.

Recently, Nghe An Provincial Police established "Task Force 373" by mobilizing nearly 1,000 officers and soldiers from various forces. These armed patrol and rapid response teams were formed to enhance security, prevent crime, and address acts of public disorder across the province. The impersonators exploited the public's awareness of these legitimate operations.

Duc Hung