Vietnam, US cooperate to arrest fugitives in double-murder case

Forces from Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested the two high-profile U.S. fugitives in June, the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City announced in a recent statement.

Polie Phan was captured in HCMC on June 20, while Jaiden Nguyen was apprehended two days later in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak.

The duo were wanted for their alleged involvement in a double murder in Houston in January.

They were apprehended based on an Interpol Red Notice, marking the culmination of a four-month joint transnational fugitive operation.

Both have been returned to the U.S.

U.S. Consul General Susan Burns expressed her gratitude for the investigative work and cooperation with Vietnamese law enforcement, reiterating the significance of this bilateral collaboration in ensuring the safety of both nations.

"We deeply appreciate the investigative work and coordination from Ministry of Public Security officials in Vietnam to help find these individuals so they can face justice in the United States," she said.

"This cooperation between Vietnamese and American law enforcement has ensured both our countries are safer, and I hope the return of these alleged perpetrators brings some comfort to the victims’ families."

In light of the successful returns, leaders from the U.S. Marshals Service Office of International Operations traveled to Vietnam from July 11-16 for the U.S. Marshals Service's first official visit to the country.

Meetings were held in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to express appreciation to the Ministry of Public Security's leaders and the officers from the ministry's Criminal Department South Fugitive Division.

The visit was also aimed at strengthening law enforcement bilateral relationships through discussions concerning training, equipment, and the commitment of both nations to combatting transnational crime.