Vietnamese American man nicked for suspected car theft in southern Vietnam

A group of vigilantes chased the man down when they spotted him driving the stolen vehicle.

A Vietnamese American man was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly stealing a car in the southern province of Binh Duong, which neighbors Saigon, several days ago.

The man was captured by CCTV spiriting away a white Honda Civic outside a shopping mall on Sunday. 

Car theft suspect Kevin Long Nguyen was arrested in Binh Duong Province on Wednesday. Photo by VnExpres/Thanh Hai
Car theft suspect Kevin Long Nguyen was arrested in Binh Duong Province on Wednesday. Photo by VnExpres/Thanh Hai

The owner of the car has been identified as Pham Viet Anh, a local in Binh Duong. But at the time of the theft, it was being driven by a young woman who had stopped to withdraw cash from an ATM. 

On Wednesday morning, a group of vigilantes who have taken it upon themselves to patrol their neighborhoods spotted the car in Binh Duong's Thu Dau Mot Town.

When the man realized he'd been identified, he tried to drive off, but the gang chased him down and forced him to stop.

He has been identified as Kevin Long Nguyen, 29, a Vietnamese American.

At the police station, Long said he was a crystal meth addict and had returned to Vietnam for eight months after losing his job in the U.S.

He also claimed he had been applying for a job at the shopping mall on Sunday, which he failed to get. As he was leaving the mall, Long noticed the car with the key in the ignition, so he jumped in and drove off.

Long said he'd been trying to sell the car for VND470 million ($20,600) but was unable to find a buyer because he didn't have the registration papers.

Binh Duong police are investigating the case further.

VnExpress

Other News

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

To accelerate the implementation of the the Ethnic Affairs Strategy by 2030, with a vision toward 2045, the Prime Minister requested ministries, agencies and local authorities to continue thoroughly carrying out the Party and State’s policies on ethnic affairs, enhancing the effectiveness of State management and strengthening oversight of policy implementation.

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

The team examined the APEC 2027 Convention Centre, where main conference activities are scheduled; Sun Serenia Hospital, designated to provide healthcare and emergency medical services for delegates; provincial road DT.975, which connects Phu Quoc International Airport to the convention centre; and the area surrounding Phu Quoc International Airport.

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

According to the municipal Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board, the city is simultaneously implementing seven projects, namely Tu Lien, Ngoc Hoi, Tran Hung Dao, Thuong Cat, Van Phuc, Hong Ha and Me So bridges. Construction is being carried out on multiple fronts, focusing on bored piles, pile caps, piers and superstructure works.

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Seventy-two years after the Dien Bien Phu Victory, its legacy still reverberates. The unity, self-reliance, and resilience forged in that historic triumph remain a powerful internal engine, now propelling Dien Bien toward fast and sustainable development.

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

In the 2027–2030 period, the city will accelerate the transition towards the complete phase-out of fossil fuel-powered buses. The share of electric and green energy-fueled buses is projected to reach 79–89% by 2029 and 100% by 2030.

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

At 8:00 the same day, KN475 began towing the disabled fishing boat toward Da Tay A island. The towing operation was carried out safely, and by 18:30 both the vessel and its crew had arrived at the island without incident, where repairs and additional support procedures were arranged.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

By the end of April, the number of buses using electricity and other green energy sources in the city is expected to reach 822, including 683 electric buses and 139 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, representing 42.1% of the total number of vehicles.