On 15/5, the criminal investigation department of Da Nang City police temporarily detained Nguyen Quang Luc, residing in Hoa Khanh ward, to investigate property theft.

The suspect has multiple prior convictions for robbery and theft and was being sought in connection with a drug use organization case.

Nguyen Quang Luc upon arrest. Photo: Thanh Huynh

Earlier, around 6h on 14/5, the female homeowner in Hoa Cuong ward returned from a business trip to find the wardrobe in her bedroom pried open. Numerous valuables, including 5 taels of 9999 gold, jewelry, 500 USD, and 10 million dong in cash, were missing. The total loss was estimated at 834 million dong.

Recognizing the suspect's meticulous preparation and professional methods, the criminal investigation department collaborated with Hoa Cuong ward police to review suspicious individuals. After about 10 hours of investigation, at 0h30 on 15/5, police arrested Luc while he was hiding. A rapid test indicated the suspect was positive for drugs.

At the investigative agency, Luc stated that he conceived the idea of theft due to a lack of money for personal expenses and drug purchases.

To avoid detection, from late night on 13/5, he prepared a wig, wore multiple layers of clothes, and gloves. He then repeatedly switched ride-hailing vehicles, moving through various areas to mislead investigators.

Around 2h on 14/5, discovering the house was empty, Luc broke in, searched, and took gold and cash.

After committing the crime, the suspect changed clothes, removed the wig, and discarded them near the Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital to erase traces.

Around 10h the same day, Luc took a portion of the stolen gold to Hoi An to sell, obtaining 59 million dong to pay debts.

Police later recovered assets valued at nearly 600 million dong, along with several items related to the crime. The case is currently under expanded investigation.

Ngoc Truong