Two Men in Da Nang Pose as Police, Accused of Assaulting 18-Year-Old Student

Police in Da Nang have arrested one suspect and are searching for another after two men allegedly impersonated police officers, stopped a young woman’s motorbike in the middle of the night, and later sexually assaulted her.

The Da Nang Criminal Police Department confirmed on October 19 that officers had detained Nguyen Van Than (27, from Thanh Khe District, Da Nang) under an emergency arrest order. Than is being investigated for rape under Article 141, Clause 4 of Vietnam’s Penal Code.

Posing as Police to Lure Victim

According to investigators, at around 4 a.m. on September 23, the victim, identified as D.N. (18, from Quang Tri Province), was riding her motorbike along 2/9 Street in Hoa Cuong Ward when she was stopped by Than and his accomplice Tran Minh Luong, who were riding a white Suzuki Satria.

Luong allegedly pretended to be a police officer and demanded to “check her papers.” Taking advantage of the victim’s fear, Than then coerced her to join them for drinks at a restaurant on 30/4 Street, claiming it was a way to “avoid trouble.”

Investigators said the men forced the victim to drink alcohol until she became intoxicated. Than then allegedly drove her to a hotel on Nui Thanh Street, where he committed the assault.

Police Launch Urgent Manhunt

The incident came to light when Da Nang’s Task Force 911, during routine patrols, uncovered reports of men impersonating officers and assaulting a woman in late September. Detectives quickly gathered evidence and accepted the victim’s criminal complaint.

Police have arrested Than and are continuing to pursue Tran Minh Luong, urging him to turn himself in. Authorities are also calling on his family to cooperate and hand over any evidence or related items.

The case has drawn significant public concern in Da Nang, with officials emphasizing that impersonating law enforcement and committing acts of violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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Source: Vietnam Insider