Egg vendor stumbles upon $48,500 cash bag in car, not her own

Nguyen Thi Luc asks people nearby after discovering a plastic bag with VND1.2 billion (US$48,534) in cash in her minivan on March 13, 2024. Photo obtained by VnExpress

The 44-year-old, who belongs to the northern Vinh Phuc Province, went straight to the cops upon finding the bag. She told them she had gone to Dinh market in Me Linh District at 10 a.m. on Wednesday to supply eggs to wholesale purchasers there, then returned to her minivan and discovered a plastic bag inside with the cash. She inquired people nearby, but no one claimed it.

Opening the bag she saw it was packed with cash in denominations ranging from VND100,000 to VND500,000.

She added that she normally secures the cabin doors but not the side-loading doors. At first she suspected the cash could be part of a scam. She then feared someone could falsely claim the money, and so quickly got in touch with the police.

The police chief of the local Tam Dong Commune, Le Duy Hoa, and his officers, promptly arrived at the scene and secured the vehicle and the cash bag. They counted the bills to find out there indeed was VND1.2 billion.

A suitcase filled with cash. Illustration photo by Pexels

After a thorough search for three hours the team successfully tracked down the cash’s owner, Le Duc Son, a local resident. Son had come into the money after selling a plot of land the previous day.

"Son’s son had been not sober and taken the money bag, and accidentally left it in the vicinity of Dinh market," Hoa said.

The police made the required documentation before handing over the money back to Son. He profusely thanked Luc and the officers for retrieving his money.

Luc was not too fussed, saying she only did what anyone else in her place would have.

"Since it was not my money, I had to do everything in my power to ensure its return to its rightful owner."

"To be honest, finding myself suddenly in possession of VND1.2 billion was something I had never thought of and was enough to make my heart race."