Thieves stole motorbikes in Da Lat and brought the vehicles to Ho Chi Minh City for distribution

An illegal ring of thieves has been broken up after carrying out multiple thefts in which they stole motorbikes in Da Lat, a popular tourist destination in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, and sold them in Ho Chi Minh City.

Police in Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province on Tuesday began legal proceedings against five suspects who are members of the motorbike theft gang.

The criminals previously admitted to carrying out over 20 thefts, but officers believe the number was higher.

According to initial information, Phung Duc Phong, 32, and Vu Thai Hung, 33, were the masterminds behind the illicit operation.

Hung was previously put behind bars for three convictions of theft and robbery and finished his jail term in October 2016.

In August 2017, Hung and Phong began the robberies, hiring Nguyen Duc Tien, 23, Vo Nguyen Tuan Anh, 36, and Le Thanh Thai, 23.

They also recruited three other men named Sau, Hieu, and Long, who are still at large.

Phong and Hung were in charge of stealing the vehicles in Da Lat, while the other members were tasked with riding the stolen motorbikes to Ho Chi Minh City.

The ring leaders promised to pay their subordinates VND1.5 million (US$66) for each motorcycle that was safely transported from Da Lat to the southern metropolis.

The vehicles were then sold in Ho Chi Minh City or brought to Cambodia for distribution.

The gang members reside in Ho Chi Minh City and travel to Da Lat by passenger bus, using fake license plates to disguise the stolen motorbikes.

During the most recent theft, the group managed to steal four motorbikes from a residence on Bui Thi Xuan Street and two others on Hoang Dieu Street on the night of January 17.

On January 23, officers arrested Hung before escorting him to the police station.

Based on Hung’s statements, the law enforcers were able to arrest Phong, Tien, Anh, and Thai.

Further investigations into the case are being conducted.