American tourist's phone snatched in Ho Chi Minh City, suspect caught within hours

The incident occurred on June 3, when a 40-year-old American woman was walking in Ben Thanh Ward. According to police, Nguyen Phi Hung, 25, allegedly snatched her mobile phone and fled the scene.

Authorities were able to identify and apprehend Hung after reviewing nearby surveillance footage. The stolen phone was recovered and promptly returned to the victim.

Police noted that robbery and snatch theft cases have declined sharply this year, with snatchings down 47.5% and robberies falling 31.6% in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.