Hyogo Prefectural Police’s Criminal Investigation Division 3 revealed on December 12 that two former technical trainees, both Vietnamese nationals, had been arrested and charged with theft. The suspects are accused of repeatedly stealing health foods, supplements, and other goods from drugstores across 17 prefectures, including Hyogo, Kyoto, Okayama, and Iwate. Investigators suspect the pair were members of a Vietnamese theft ring, executing their crimes in an organized manner.
Details of the Arrested Individuals
The suspects, identified as Nguyen Thi Phuong (31) and Tran Van Truong (29), both unemployed and residing in Fukushima, Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture, are currently on trial for theft. The two came to Japan as technical trainees in 2016–2017 but fled their workplaces, citing “low wages despite heavy labor.” Starting in August last year, they were reportedly recruited by another Vietnamese man to engage in theft.
Theft Operations and Impact
Between August 2023 and June 2024, the pair targeted drugstores in Hyogo, Okayama, and Tokushima Prefectures, among others, stealing health foods, medicines, and supplements. They are believed to have traveled by car, committing theft at various locations. Police have documented 144 incidents, with the total damage amounting to approximately 17.6 million yen.
Using a methodical approach, the suspects received instructions through a communication app, specifying which items to steal. They placed items into shopping baskets, then discreetly transferred them into shoulder bags in less visible areas of the store before leaving. The stolen goods were subsequently shipped from nearby convenience stores to designated locations in the Kanto region. The items were ultimately sold in Vietnam.
Ongoing Investigations
In June this year, the police arrested the pair on suspicion of violating immigration laws and began investigating the thefts. Another Vietnamese woman (37) from Bando City, Ibaraki Prefecture, was also arrested and charged in November for allegedly conspiring with the suspects to steal merchandise.
The police are continuing their investigations, suspecting broader organizational involvement in the theft ring.
