Vietnam police arrest 2 suspects in armed bank robbery

The press conference was attended by leaders of the Ministry of Public Security, Gia Lai police, and police forces from several provinces and cities.

Police said that at 3:52 pm on January 19, two armed male suspects carried out a robbery at the Vietcombank Tra Ba transaction office, located at 133 Truong Chinh Street, seizing approximately VND1.89 billion (US$72,700) in cash.

The suspects used firearms to threaten bank employees and customers, completing the robbery in just five minutes before fleeing the scene.

Immediately after the incident, Gia Lai police launched an investigation as well as reported the case to the Ministry of Public Security for further guidance.

Given the particularly serious nature of the crime, committed in a crowded urban area with the use of military-grade weapons, the Ministry of Public Security established a special task force, led by Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Minister of Public Security, with support from the Criminal Police Department, specialized units, and Ho Chi Minh City police.

Through professional intelligence gathering and public tip-offs, investigators identified Pham Anh Tai, 36, alias ‘Tai Den,’ residing in Kon Tum Ward, Quang Ngai Province, as the primary suspect.

Tai was already wanted by Quang Ngai police for a 2018 murder case at a bar in former Kon Tum City, in which an AK rifle was used.

Another key suspect, Le Van An, 33, from Dak Cam Commune, Quang Ngai Province, was identified as an accomplice.

Police determined that the two committed the robbery due to financial difficulties.

Prior to the crime, they traveled from Kon Tum to Pleiku to scout the location, escape routes, and prepare weapons and vehicles, as well as plans to destroy evidence.

After the robbery, both suspects fled to Ho Chi Minh City to dispose of the stolen money.

An later returned home in Quang Ngai and lived normally, while Tai continued to hide until his arrest.

Searches of the suspects’ residences led to the seizure of four handguns, 46 bullets, about one kilogram of lead ammunition, nearly VND930 million ($35,800) in cash, two gold rings, and other related evidence.

At the press conference, Deputy Minister Long described the suspects as extremely dangerous, noting their prior involvement in a double murder and their readiness to use firearms against law enforcement.

He emphasized that the successful arrest was the result of coordinated efforts, advanced investigative techniques, and strong public cooperation.

Gia Lai police said investigations are ongoing, with coordination from the Ministry of Public Security and Ho Chi Minh City police to further expand the case.