Finding a bag on the road containing 84 million pesos (1,5 billion VND) can bring more trouble than good fortune.

This is what happened to a street vendor in La Pampa province last week.

The incident began on 30/6, when a large local farm owner completed a significant financial transaction. Nearly 90 million pesos in cash were placed in a backpack to be taken home.

However, on the way, his car broke down. He called his son and a trusted mechanic for assistance, then the two went to work in the fields. When informed the car was fixed, they returned and loaded their belongings. But he forgot the most important item: the backpack containing the money.

He remembered leaving it on the grass, by the roadside, one meter from the highway.

Upon arriving home, the farmer realized his mistake, went back to the spot, but the backpack was gone.

Police launched an investigation, tracing a lead from a nearby security camera. The footage showed a Ford Focus stopping near the backpack before continuing its journey. When the car drove off, the backpack had also disappeared.

Police quickly identified the car's owner as a traveling mattress vendor who operated throughout Argentina.

On the afternoon of 1/7, he was arrested and immediately burst into tears. He recounted how the money bag haunted him all night. His first thought was that it was drug money. Fearing a tracking chip, he had discarded the backpack itself on his sales route.

The money was fully returned to its owner. Photo: Clarin

However, he did keep the bundles of cash, tucking them deep into the bottom of his own bag. His fear was so intense that he lost sleep that entire night, keeping a knife under his pillow.

Police and the victim confirmed that he had not spent a single cent. The entire amount was returned to the owner.

Authorities noted that the man "always cooperated with statements" and stated he never intended to keep the money, being afraid and "unsure how to handle the situation." This was supported by the fact that he registered for an overnight stay at a local motel using his real identity.

He was initially detained for investigation of appropriating lost property, a relatively minor offense with a maximum fine of 15.000 pesos (300.000 VND).

Finding his testimony sincere and credible, police and prosecutors did not press charges, returning his car so he could continue selling mattresses. His identity was not disclosed by authorities.

Hai Thu (According to Clarin)