Police dismantle cat-theft ring that stole thousands of pets for meat in Ho Chi Minh City
Authorities arrested a 12-person network led by 39-year-old Luu Thanh Binh for stealing about 2,700 cats to sell for meat.
Police identified 39-year-old Luu Thanh Binh as the mastermind behind a cat-theft syndicate that targeted neighborhoods on Ho Chi Minh City's outskirts. He and 11 accomplices ran motorcycle teams that patrolled at night, setting homemade traps or using equipment supplied by Binh to capture between four and ten cats per night. The operation spanned Dong Thanh Commune, Hoc Mon Commune, Tan Thoi Hiep Ward and An Hoi Tay Ward, with the stolen animals sold for meat.
A July 8 raid seized 50 cats, 55 traps and two scales, and the suspects admitted to stealing roughly 2,700 cats. Thirteen of the rescued cats were returned to owners, while the remainder were placed with the HAVEPAWS Social Center pending identification. Authorities have not yet determined how long the ring was active, and they urge residents who have lost cats to contact local police or the social center.
Why it matters
The case highlights organized animal theft and illegal meat trade, prompting concerns over pet safety and enforcement of property laws.
In this story
