Canadian national jailed for robbing foreigners in HCMC

Jang Jae Bin, 24, a Canadian citizen born in South Korea, received the sentence from the HCMC People's Court on Wednesday.

Jang, who moved to Canada with his family in 2008, entered Vietnam as a tourist early last year and resided in an apartment in Thu Duc City. Facing financial difficulties, he resorted to robbery.

According to the indictment, on Feb. 17, 2024, Jang targeted Alanna Beth Burke, a Canadian woman walking her dog in District 7. He threatened her with a folding knife, stole her phone, and fled.

The following day, Jang returned to the same area and targeted Wener Zimmer, who was out walking from a park. Jang approached Zimmer, asked to borrow his phone, and when refused, threatened him with the knife, stealing his phone. He was apprehended shortly after by District 7 police patrol officers.

The stolen phones were valued at VND5.4 million (US$216).

Jang confessed to the crimes, citing financial desperation due to unemployment during his travels. He expressed remorse and requested a reduced sentence to facilitate his return to his family.