Ho Chi Minh City investigates viral video of internet café owner beating minors

The incident occurred around 2:30 am on March 23 at the Tiger Gaming internet café on Nguyen Anh Thu Street in Tan Thoi Hiep Ward, according to a preliminary report from the local people's committee.

Nguyen Huu Hiep, chairman of the Tan Thoi Hiep Ward People's Committee, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that police were first alerted to the incident on Friday after discovering the footage circulating on social media. 

The video appears to show the café owner striking two teenage boys.

Police identified the individuals in the video as H.T.L., 14, and V.M.H., 13, both residents of the ward. 

Attempts to contact the boys' families for official statements are ongoing as the minors were not home for interviews on Friday, officials said.

The suspect, identified as N.V.H., 30, is believed to be the café's owner and a resident of the same ward. 

He has not been located, and authorities say he is currently absent from the area.

According to police, the dispute reportedly began when the two boys used someone else's gaming account without permission. 

A staff member alerted the owner, who then returned to the café and confronted the boys, leading to the altercation captured on video.

Local police have questioned café employees and continue to search for the owner and other individuals involved.

Authorities have also launched an inspection of the Tiger Gaming internet café to verify compliance with business regulations. 

The venue was found to have a valid operating license, but further checks are ongoing.

Chairman Hiep said the ward had directed local health and welfare units to provide medical check-ups and psychological support to the two minors. 

The local women's union has also visited the families to offer assistance.