HCM City police said on October 5 that Luu Thanh Binh, 39, and 11 others had been charged and detained for alleged property theft.
The investigation began after Dong Thanh Commune Police detected a group suspected of stealing pets at night. Police said the group operated across Dong Thanh and Hoc Mon communes and Tan Thoi Hiep and An Hoi Tay wards.
Investigators identified Binh as a buyer of live cats, which were gathered at a property in Thoi An Ward before being resold. Police said he had links with several people who bought stolen cats and recruited others to steal the animals.
The suspects allegedly worked in small groups, travelling by motorcycle through residential areas at night in search of cats. Each group stole an average of four to 10 cats a night, according to their statements.
Police seized 50 cats, 55 traps, seven motorcycles, 13 mobile phones and other items, along with VND 6.7 million in cash.
During questioning, the suspects admitted stealing and trading about 2,700 cats during the operation. Police said Binh also bought cats from other suppliers for resale.
Authorities have so far identified the owners of 13 cats and returned the animals to them. The remaining cats have been transferred to a social centre for care while efforts to identify their owners continue.