Vietnamese authorities have confirmed that a body found floating in a river outside Hanoi belongs to a 19-year-old woman from Nghe An Province who had been missing for more than a month. The case has drawn nationwide attention and raised concerns about the safety of young migrant workers traveling between provinces.
On December 9, the victim’s father, Nguyễn Văn Ngọc, told local media that police had informed the family of a conclusive DNA match. The body, discovered in Hưng Yên Province in early November, was found tied and sealed inside a plastic bag.
Although the family had suspected it was their daughter based on a distinctive tattoo, laboratory confirmation came only this week.
A Disturbing Discovery in Hưng Yên
The victim, identified as N.T.Y.N., left home on November 2 saying she planned to travel to Hanoi. She was last heard from on November 4, when she told a relative she would return home the following day. After that, all calls went unanswered.
Days later, local authorities in Hưng Yên found the body of a young woman in the river, difficult to identify but bearing a tattoo with the numbers 19/12/2006, matching information provided by the family.
However, by the time relatives arrived to help identify the remains, the body had already been buried for public health reasons.
On November 24, Hanoi Police arrested a man believed to be connected to the disappearance of the young woman. According to a police source quoted by local media, the suspect is reported to be the victim’s boyfriend.
Authorities have not yet disclosed his identity or detailed charges as the investigation is ongoing.
The case has sparked widespread public concern across Vietnam, where many young people travel alone to major cities for work, often facing vulnerabilities related to housing, employment and personal safety.
A Family Seeking Answers
The victim, the eldest daughter in her family, had previously worked in Hanoi and Bac Ninh before returning home to care for her grandmother. She had planned to find work closer to home.
Her father said the family is now waiting for formal documentation from Hanoi authorities before traveling to the capital for further proceedings. “We received the DNA result by phone, but we are waiting for official confirmation,” he told reporters.
Investigation Continues
Police have not released further details about the circumstances of the victim’s death, the suspect’s alleged involvement or potential motives. Authorities emphasized that the case remains under active investigation.
Vietnam Insider will continue to follow updates as more information is made public by law enforcement.
