Police identified the four suspects on October 28 as Luong Thi Thao, born in 1994, a dog meat trader in Haiphong; Dinh Van Thinh, born in 1996, a trader in Hung Yen; Dang Thi Tho, born in 1988, owner of Luat Tho Restaurant in Ninh Binh; and Nguyen Thi Ngoc, born in 1985, owner of Bao Ngoc Restaurant in Hanoi.
Police said the four bought dog meat from a recently dismantled interprovincial theft ring allegedly led by Nguyen Ba Long, born in 1997, and Nguyen Long Yen Van, born in 1986, both residents of Dong Nai City.
More than 10 tonnes of dog meat sold to northern traders
Investigators said the traders admitted knowing the meat lacked invoices, proof of origin and quarantine inspection stamps, bore suspected electric shock marks and was sold below market prices.
Despite these warning signs, they repeatedly bought large quantities for resale at a profit.
Tho admitted buying more than VND 150 million (USD 5,700) worth of dog meat from members of the network before her arrest.
"I realise what I did was wrong and that I helped those stealing dogs," she said.
Thinh also expressed regret over buying meat from dog thieves and urged other traders to avoid goods of unknown origin to prevent facilitating crime.
Transaction records showed that orders were placed through social media. Once prices and quantities were agreed, the alleged ringleaders arranged for the meat to be packed and transported by passenger coaches to buyers.
Police identified bank transfers totalling more than $32,800 from the four traders, corresponding to purchases of over 10 tonnes of dog meat.
Interprovincial dog and cat theft ring dismantled
The investigation followed reports of dog thefts, with police uncovering an organised group suspected of using cars and electric shock devices to steal dogs.
On October 8, Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai criminal police searched Long's residence in Long Binh Ward, Dong Nai City.
Officers found the property enclosed by sheet-metal fencing, with an area used to slaughter and process animals.
Inside a car parked in the yard, police discovered 21 dead dogs weighing more than 300 kg, along with homemade electric shock devices and other equipment allegedly used in the thefts.
Further searches uncovered 32 slaughtered dogs weighing nearly 420 kg and 57 slaughtered cats weighing more than 170 kg, stored in foam boxes and freezers for sale.
Investigators identified five alleged associates of Long: Nguyen Thanh Liem, Nguyen Ngoc Tri, Nguyen Ngoc Nhi, Nguyen Van Hiep and Nguyen Van Qua.
Police said the group stole 21 dogs in a single night from Nghia Thanh, Ngai Giao and Kim Long communes and nearby areas. The animals weighed more than 300 kg and had an estimated market value of VND 19-20 million.
After detaining the suspected thieves, investigators expanded their inquiries into the network's organisation and distribution operations.
On October 10, police questioned Van, who admitted involvement in the group's dog and cat theft, processing and distribution activities, investigators said.
She told police that she and Long lived together as a couple, jointly planned the thefts for profit and assigned others to carry them out.
Authorities warned that pet theft not only causes property losses but also fuels interprovincial networks involved in collecting, slaughtering and selling stolen animals.
Police said buying goods of unknown origin creates a market for stolen property and encourages further theft, pledging to pursue property crimes regardless of the value of stolen assets.
