12 prosecuted, detained for allegedly stealing 2,700 cats in Ho Chi Minh City

Police on Monday said they had detained 39-year-old Luu Thanh Binh, a resident of Can Tho City, southern Vietnam, and 11 accomplices for investigation into property theft.

Previously, Dong Thanh Commune police detected a group suspected of stealing cats at night.

Investigators determined that the group operated in several areas, including Dong Thanh and Hoc Mon communes and Tan Thoi Hiep and An Hoi Tay wards, affecting local security and residents’ property.

According to the investigation, Binh bought live cats and stored them at a property on TX39 Street in Thoi An Ward for resale.

To obtain cats, Binh contacted several people who bought cats stolen by others. These people then recruited and connected with others to steal cats and sell them to Binh, forming a network involved in stealing, collecting and reselling cats across multiple areas.

The suspects split into small groups, assigned different areas and traveled by motorbike to residential neighborhoods to look for cats.

They mainly operated from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am, taking advantage of the time when residents were asleep and fewer people were around.

They used homemade or purchased cat traps, some of which were supplied by Binh. After catching the cats, they quickly left the area and took them away for sale.

The suspects told police that each group typically stole four to 10 cats per night.

Dong Thanh Commune police later seized 50 cats, 55 cat traps, two scales, 14 bags, 13 mobile phones, seven motorbikes, two fur-removing machines and VND6.7 million (US$257) in cash. They also summoned people linked to the group for questioning.

During the investigation, the suspects admitted to stealing and reselling around 2,700 cats during their operation. In addition to buying cats supplied by the group, Binh also purchased cats from other people for resale.

After seizing the cats, Dong Thanh Commune police worked to identify their owners and have so far returned 13 cats to their owners.

The remaining cats were taken in by the HAVEPAWS social center for care while authorities continue verifying their ownership.

Ho Chi Minh City police have asked people whose cats were stolen to contact Dong Thanh Commune police or the HAVEPAWS social center at 54 Street 15 in Binh Hung Commune to provide information, help identify their animals and complete procedures to reclaim their pets.

Police advised residents to take measures to protect their pets and promptly notify authorities if they detect signs of pet theft, collection or resale.

Ho Chi Minh City police said they would take strict action against those involved in stealing cats and other pets from residents.

They also called on organizations and individuals involved in buying, selling and slaughtering animals to carefully verify the origin of animals and not purchase or resell stolen property for profit.

Anyone involved in arranging or ordering thefts, providing tools for theft, or buying or reselling pets while knowing that they were stolen will be dealt with in accordance with the law.