Vietnam Police Bust Cat Theft Ring of 12
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Police in Ho Chi Minh City say they have broken up a 12-man group accused of stealing about 2,700 cats from residential neighbourhoods and funnelling them into an illegal resale chain. Investigators identified 39-year-old Luu Thanh Binh as the alleged ringleader who supplied tools, bought cats from accomplices and other sources, and stored live animals at a collection point before resale. Officers recovered 50 live cats in a raid first carried out on July 8, along with traps, motorcycles, scales and dehairing machines, and 13 of the rescued animals have since been returned to their owners. Police have charged the suspects with theft of property, while the full duration and reach of the network remain under investigation.
Key Points
- Ho Chi Minh City police said the group operated between 11pm and 4am, moving through residential districts on motorcycles to look for unattended pet cats.
- Police said each team could catch about four to 10 cats a night using homemade cages, bait and trapping tools.
- A July 8 raid recovered 50 live cats and seized 55 cat traps, seven motorcycles, two scales, two dehairing machines, 14 bags and cash
- Authorities said 12 men were prosecuted and detained, including younger suspects aged 16 to 21, on suspicion of theft of property
- Investigators said some stolen cats were believed to have been slaughtered and sold to restaurants, where cat meat was priced at about 70,000 dong per kilogram.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the case is a reminder that pet theft can feed cross-district criminal supply chains rather than isolated opportunistic crime, making owner vigilance and traceability more important. It also draws attention to legal grey areas in places where cat and dog meat remains lawful if the source can be documented, even though stolen animals may still enter the trade.