Hanoi police are holding Vu Xuan Binh, known as Binh Gold, for questioning on multiple charges, authorities announced on 26/7.

Around 9:10 a.m. Tuesday, Binh hailed a taxi on the side of the road in Phu Thuong ward, requesting a ride to Bac Ninh. After traveling about one kilometer, Binh grabbed the driver's phone from the passenger seat and put his right arm around the driver's neck, threatening him.

Binh ordered the driver to take Pham Van Dong street and then the elevated highway towards Thanh Tri bridge, intending to continue to Quang Ninh. About 100 meters past the exit for Thang Long boulevard, traffic congestion prompted Binh to tell the driver to use the emergency lane.

Seeing an opportunity when Binh was distracted, the driver escaped from the taxi. Binh then jumped into the driver's seat and headed towards Thanh Tri bridge.

The driver called 113 (the Vietnamese emergency number) to report the incident to the police at 10 a.m. after exiting the vehicle. Officers from Dai Mo ward, in coordination with other units, initiated a pursuit.

At approximately 10:55 a.m., police apprehended Binh near the ring road 3, adjacent to Cu Khoi cemetery in Long Bien ward. They recovered the stolen taxi, the driver’s phone, and wallet.

Binh confessed to the crime. A rapid drug test revealed he was positive for ketamine and cannabis.

Rapper Binh Gold at the time of his arrest. Photo: *Courtesy of the police*

Three days prior, around 6 p.m. on 23/7, Binh was driving at high speeds on the Hanoi-Lao Cai expressway, weaving erratically and cutting off other vehicles, exhibiting signs of public disorder. Dashcam footage of his reckless driving, recorded by other drivers, was posted on social media.

After an investigation and search, police stopped Binh's vehicle in Lao Cai province around 10 p.m. that same day. A drug test showed he was positive for cannabis. He was handed over to authorities in Lao Cai province for this incident.

The 28-year-old Binh Gold, originally a tattoo artist, gained online notoriety around 2019 for his rap music. Much of his music portrays a lavish, hedonistic lifestyle and has drawn criticism for its inappropriate lyrics and potentially negative influence, particularly on children.