Chinese arrested for allegedly robbing grocery store at knifepoint in northern Vietnam

Hai Phong police said Thursday that local criminal police, working with relevant units, arrested the suspect, Zhang Peng Ju, for allegedly robbing a grocery store on Do Nhuan Street in Hai An Ward.

At around 11:25 pm on August 27, T.T.N. was working alone at the checkout counter of the grocery store when a masked man suddenly entered.

The suspect threatened her with a knife and took cash from the drawer before fleeing the scene.

Police in Hai An Ward and criminal police officers examined the scene, collected evidence and traced the suspect’s movements after receiving a report of the robbery.

Their investigation identified Zhang as the suspect.

According to the initial investigation, Zhang entered Vietnam in June 2026 and traveled to and stayed in several places before going to Hai Phong to look for work.

Zhang reportedly told police that he had no stable job and had run out of money. After noticing that the grocery store had many customers coming and going, he came up with a plan to rob it.

On the evening of August 27, he changed his clothes, put on gloves, covered his face with a cloth and wore a face mask, and brought a fruit knife to the store, where he waited for an opportunity.

Zhang then entered the store, threatened the female employee with the knife and took large-denomination bills from the cash drawer.

After the robbery, he gathered his belongings, took the money and fled.

Police said Zhang repeatedly changed his appearance, accommodation and means of transportation as he traveled through several provinces and cities in an attempt to evade detection.

On September 1, authorities arrested Zhang while he was hiding in Moc Son Ward, Son La Province in northern Vietnam.

Police seized VND145 million (US$5,500) believed to be connected to the robbery, along with other items and documents.

Zhang initially admitted to the crime, police said.

Hai Phong Police are continuing to investigate the case and will handle it in accordance with the law.