Ho Chi Minh City police arrest 12 for massive cat theft ring

Police in Ho Chi Minh City have arrested 12 men for allegedly operating a large-scale criminal ring involved in the theft and trafficking of approximately 2,700 cats. The group, led by 39-year-old Luu Thanh Binh, reportedly targeted residential neighborhoods between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., using motorcycles and homemade traps to capture pets for resale as meat.

During investigations, authorities seized various items, including cat traps, fur-removal machines, scales, and motorbikes. While the consumption of cat meat is not strictly illegal in Vietnam, vendors are required to provide documentation proving the legal origin of the animals. The suspects face charges related to property theft.

Some rescued cats have been returned to their owners, while others are being cared for by animal welfare organizations such as HavePaws. This operation follows a previous raid in June where police discovered hundreds of cats and several deceased animals, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the illegal pet trade in the region.