Japanese police link shoplifting ring to Hanoi masterminds

Tokyo police conducted multiple raids in November last year at several locations, including in the Kanto region and Osaka, where stolen goods from pharmacies were reportedly stored. So far, 11 individuals have been arrested.

Investigators say the thefts were coordinated by two Vietnamese suspects, a man and a woman, who are accused of sending instructions from Hanoi on which goods to steal and where to store them.

Authorities found out that the ringleaders were located in Hanoi thanks to confessions and retrieved smartphone data, NHK reported.

Speaking Thursday, Vietnam’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang said Vietnam has instructed its representatives in Japan to cooperate with local authorities to ensure all criminal acts are dealt with appropriately.