On August 18, 2025, An Giang provincial police issued a decision to detain Luong Van Tho for investigation on charges of property theft.
Vietnam detective, Tho was a habitual gambler who often borrowed money and accumulated heavy debts.
To obtain cash for repayment and further gambling, he devised a scheme to target rice brokers—individuals who usually carry large sums of money during paddy rice transactions.
Taking advantage of moments when they were careless, Tho approached and pried open motorbike compartments to steal cash.
That same morning in Vinh An commune, Tho spotted a rice broker leaving a motorbike unattended on the roadside. Within minutes, he had broken into the compartment and stolen 460 million VND.
With the stolen money, Tho immediately settled some of his debts while the rest was squandered on gambling.
Upon receiving the victim’s report, Chau Thanh district police coordinated with investigative units to launch a manhunt.
Through evidence gathering and surveillance, officers managed to track and apprehend Tho within just 48 hours of the crime.
Seized items included the motorbike used for the theft, about 100 million VND in remaining cash, and several related objects.
Police stated that Tho’s actions not only caused major financial loss to the victim but also created insecurity within the local community.
The case is under further investigation and will be handled in accordance with the law, Vietnamese detective service agency.