On October 4, Ho Chi Minh City Police announced the arrest of 39-year-old Luu Thanh Binh and 11 accomplices on charges of property theft.
Investigators determined that Binh bought live cats, gathered them at a holding facility in Thoi An Ward, and resold them into commercial trading channels. To secure a steady supply, he connected with several prolific cat snatchers.
These recruiters brought in additional accomplices and divided into small squads operating across Dong Thanh Commune, Hoc Mon Commune, Tan Thoi Hiep Ward, and An Hoi Tay Ward.
The crews staked out territories, riding motorbikes through residential streets in search of free-roaming cats. They operated primarily between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM to exploit deserted alleyways. The thieves deployed homemade wire snares or traps purchased directly from Binh.
During interrogations, suspects admitted that each team captured between four and ten cats per night. The crews then pooled their haul and delivered the animals to Binh’s consolidation hub.
Luu Thanh Binh, second from the right, at the police station. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police
On July 8, Dong Thanh Commune Police conducted an inspection, caught the operation in the act, and seized 50 live cats, 55 specialized traps, two weighing scales, and related evidence.
Throughout the inquiry, the 12 suspects confessed to capturing and distributing approximately 2,700 cats during their operation. Beyond supplies delivered by these crews, Binh also purchased stolen cats from independent thieves for resale.
Among the 50 confiscated animals, investigators verified ownership and returned 13 cats to 13 local residents. The remaining animals were transferred to the HAVEPAWS Social Center, where caretakers are sheltering them while authorities verify their rightful owners.
Police urge residents who recently lost cats to contact Dong Thanh Commune Police or the HAVEPAWS Social Center in Binh Hung Commune to provide identifying details and complete recovery procedures.
(Source: vnexpress.net)
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