On 26/12, Bui Van Hoi, 20, and Bui Phuc Trang, 18, both from Can Loc commune, Ha Tinh province, were criminally detained by Nghe An provincial police. They face investigation for property theft under Article 173 of the Penal Code. Authorities allege that within 20 days, the duo committed over 150 cable thefts across 80 communes and wards, selling stolen goods for over 200 million dong and causing total damages of approximately one billion dong to network providers.

Suspects Hoi and Trang (second and third from left), with seized evidence at the investigative agency. Photo: *Hoa Vang*.

According to the indictment, in early December, Hoi and Trang repeatedly drove motorcycles from Ha Tinh to Nghe An. They allegedly broke into network base stations located in remote, hilly areas, far from residential zones. The two used pliers to cut locks and metal cutters to steal lightning arrester cables, which they then sold for personal expenses.

Their alleged crime spree ended on 21/12. Police apprehended the two men after they had completed a copper cable theft at a base station in Tan Phu commune, formerly part of Tan Ky district.

Duc Hung