Man robs bank to pay off debt before lunar new year

Dinh Khuong Linh, 38, a resident of Vinh City in Nghe An Province, is facing charges of property theft, police said Sunday.

Linh confessed to arming himself with a knife and storming into an Vietinbank branch office in the city’s Cua Lo Town to commit the robbery.

He said he intended to steal money to pay off gambling debts.

Dinh Khuong Linh at a police station in Vinh City. Photo by police

It was around 4 p.m. on Feb. 1 when Linh, wearing a mask and a jacket and holding a knife, entered the bank and shouted "everyone, freeze," before threatening the staff and demanding that they hand over the money.

At that time, there were about 20 people in the bank, including customers and staff.

Linh then jumped over the counter, stole VND46 million, and fled on a motorbike.

Bank staff and security guards chased after him but lost his trail after a few hundred meters.

Local police forces were then mobilized to block all routes and pursue Linh.

On the afternoon of Feb. 3, police located him hiding near National Highway 1 and completed his arrest.

Dinh Khuong Linh is arrested on Feb. 3, 2024. Photo by police

Initially, Linh did not admit to being the perpetrator of the robbery.

The next day, he confessed, stating that he had incurred debts to many people due to online gambling and could not repay them.

In desperation, he brought a weapon to the Vietinbank branch, he said.

The penalty for his crime could constitute imprisonment from three to 10 years.

 

 

Man robs bank to pay off debt before lunar new year

Nghi can cướp ngân hàng ở Nghệ An bị bắt

The belief in paying off debts before the Lunar New Year, which will arrive this weekend, is a widespread cultural practice in many Asian countries. This tradition stems from the desire to start the new year fresh, without the burdens of the past.

The act of settling debts is both a financial and a moral obligation, reflecting the importance of harmony, balance, and respect in interpersonal relationships.