Hanoi Police Dismantle Large-Scale Cat Theft Ring

Authorities in Hanoi have broken up a theft ring responsible for stealing and selling more than 300 cats, exposing an underground trade driven by quick profits and weak oversight.

The number of live cats seized by the police – Photo: Provided by the police

The group, consisting of five suspects, allegedly operated for months across multiple districts, targeting household pets and selling them through local buyers.

How the Operation Worked

Investigators say the group began operations in late 2025, motivated by financial pressure and lack of stable income.

Their method was systematic:

• Nightly operations starting around 10:30 pm
• Use of motorbikes to move across neighborhoods
• Specialized tools including long nets, bags, and cages

By early morning, the stolen animals were transported and sold to a local buyer, creating a steady illegal supply chain.

The suspects Tuan, Sach, Lieu, Huy, and Thuyet (from left to right) were arrested by the police – Photo: Provided by the police.

From Theft to Market: A Profitable Chain

The stolen cats were sold at multiple stages, each adding value:

• Initial sale: 100,000 to 110,000 VND per kilogram
• Resale to traders: around 135,000 VND per kilogram
• Final market price: up to 230,000 VND per kilogram

The buyer at the center of the network reportedly earned tens of millions of VND by redistributing the animals into local markets.

Organized and Repetitive Activity

Over several months, the group is believed to have stolen and sold more than 300 cats, indicating a sustained and organized operation rather than isolated incidents.

The cats had been slaughtered and frozen by the suspects – Photo: Provided by the police.

Police seized animals and equipment linked to the case and have detained all key suspects involved.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Warning

Authorities are continuing to investigate the case and expand inquiries into related buyers and distribution channels.

At the same time, Hanoi police issued guidance to residents:

• Monitor pets closely, especially at night
• Report thefts directly to authorities
• Avoid sharing sensitive personal information on social media when seeking lost pets

Why This Case Matters

For international readers, the case highlights a lesser known issue in some urban areas:

• Informal and unregulated animal trade networks
• The role of local supply chains in sustaining illegal activity
• Increasing law enforcement focus on organized petty crime

Bottom Line

What may appear as small scale theft can, in reality, evolve into structured and profitable operations.

In this case, a network targeting household pets operated across Hanoi for months before being shut down, underscoring both the risks and the importance of enforcement in urban environments.