Vietnam: Police arrested eight suspects for a June 3 theft against Swedish nationals in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Event

The police arrested eight suspects, June 5, for a June 3 theft targeting two Swedish nationals on Ly Quoc Su Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. The perpetrators are Mongolian citizens who are reportedly visiting Vietnam to steal from other foreign tourists. The Swedish nationals had placed their bags on a seat at an eatery when the suspects obtained the victims' wallets and credit cards, spending around USD 45,000. Officials then investigated the case and arrested the suspects in Hanoi and Tay Ninh Province June 4-5.

Context

The overall threat of crime violent crime in Hanoi remains moderate. Crimes targeting foreigners are generally non-violent ones like theft and usually occur due to the victims' perceived wealth. The June 3 incident indicates the importance of closely guarding valuables when in public places as a precaution. Reports so far do not indicate an increasing trend of foreign nationals visiting Vietnam to steal from other foreign tourists.