Chinese Nationals Arrested for Midnight Ambush and Car Theft in Vietnam

Picture courtesy of VN Express

In a daring and unsettling incident, a Vietnamese taxi driver fell victim to an ambush by a group of Chinese nationals who allegedly pepper-sprayed him and stole his car. The audacious crime unfolded around 2 a.m. on Thursday near the Mai Son–National Highway 45 interchange in Dong Khe Commune, Thanh Hoa Province.

Nguyen Trong Manh, the unsuspecting taxi driver, was lured into the trap while trying to assist what appeared to be stranded passengers. According to his police statement, the scenario quickly turned sinister when the group attacked him with pepper spray. The assailants then made off with his 7-seater vehicle and two mobile phones, heading north towards Hanoi.

Upon receiving the report, Thanh Hoa police launched an immediate manhunt. Leveraging surveillance footage and Manh's detailed account, law enforcement tracked the suspects' northward movement. In a swift operation, authorities apprehended the group nearly 250 kilometers away in Luc Ngan District, Bac Giang Province, by 7 a.m.

The suspects, identified as Chinese nationals from Guangxi, are currently detained as investigations continue to ascertain their identities and motives behind the brazen attack. This incident highlights the crucial role of quick police action and surveillance technology in combating cross-border crime.

As the inquiry progresses, authorities aim to unravel the group's intentions and connections, ensuring justice for the victim and reinforcing security along Vietnam's transportation networks. The event underscores the importance of vigilance and support for local taxi drivers, who often find themselves on the front lines of such unexpected encounters.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-06-16