Ho Chi Minh City – Police have urgently arrested three young men for stealing offering tables during the “cúng cô hồn” ritual, an act that authorities say constitutes robbery of property.
Three Teenagers Arrested
On September 15, the Criminal Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City confirmed the urgent arrest of:
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Mai Anh Kiệt (18, resident of Bảy Hiền Ward)
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Nguyễn Tuấn Hùng (17, resident of Bảy Hiền Ward)
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Hà Kim Bảo (17, resident of Tân Hòa Ward)
The three are under investigation for property snatching. Another minor, T.Q.Đ. (15), is also being investigated.
The Incident at PNJ Store
Around 4 p.m. on September 6, staff at the PNJ jewelry store on Âu Cơ Street, Tân Hòa Ward, set up an offering table for the traditional cúng cô hồn ritual. The table displayed fruits, candies, roasted chicken, xôi, chè, and 200,000 VND in cash.
Just minutes later, a group of youths on motorbikes stopped in front of the store. One jumped off, forcefully snatched the metal table, causing offerings to scatter across the road, before fleeing with his accomplices.
Although the 200,000 VND was recovered by staff, the stainless steel table — considered store property — was taken.
Series of Thefts Across the District
During police questioning, the suspects admitted to multiple thefts on the same day. Earlier, they had gathered in an alley and planned to steal offering tables from local households during the cô hồn ritual.
They later joined another group of around 10 youths, also roaming to steal offerings. Throughout the day, they managed to snatch several stainless steel tables, fruits, and candies from homes and temples in District 11.
The stolen tables were hidden near a local checkpoint before police tracked them down.
Public Security Concerns
Authorities emphasized that such acts are not harmless pranks but criminal offenses that threaten public order.
“Taking advantage of the cô hồn ritual to steal offerings is a violation of the law and can lead to criminal prosecution,” Ho Chi Minh City police said.
They urged citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and prevent youths from being lured into crimes disguised as “ritual traditions.”
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Source: Vietnam Insider