In central Vietnam, law enforcement authorities have successfully brought down a criminal ring suspected of swiftly stealing motorbikes across the provinces of Nghe An and Ha Tinh. The official inquiry began on Friday, led by Nghe An police, focusing on Truong Hoang Hiep, 18 years old, believed to be the gang’s ringleader, along with five other suspects. The charges faced by the alleged criminals are of “property theft.”
The police claim that the alleged thieves, under Hiep’s leadership, specifically targeted residences and motorbike shops situated in both provinces. Their modus operandi was remarkably fast, involving a technique where they would cut into the motorbike’s wiring to hot-wire it. This method enabled them to start the ignition and escape with the motorbike within an estimated five seconds.
Their next step would be to conceal the license plates using tape, post which they would trade the stolen motorbikes for cash. As per the police, the criminals usually traveled together, wearing face masks and sun-protection clothing to hide their identities while on the lookout for potential victims.
Reports from victims ultimately led the Nghe An police to launch investigations. By mid-November, the officers had successfully tracked the suspects’ movements, which resulted in their arrest. All the suspects have reportedly confessed to their crimes.
The police authorities have accused the gang of committing 13 motorbike thefts from May until their eventual capture. The estimated total value of the stolen motorbikes from both provinces is said to be around VND230 million (US$9,600).
Who are the suspects in the motorbike theft case?
The chief suspect is Truong Hoang Hiep, an 18-year-old who is believed to be the leader of the gang. There are five other individuals involved in the case.
How did the gang execute the thefts?
The gang employed a quick technique to hot-wire the motorbikes by cutting into the wiring. They would then ride away with the motorbike, cover the license plates with tape, and sell the stolen vehicles for cash.
What led to the gang’s capture?
Reports from victims led the Nghe An police to initiate investigations. By successfully tracing the suspects’ movements, the officers were able to arrest them. All suspects have confessed to their crimes.
