SAITAMA (TR) – Saitama Prefectural Police have arrested two Vietnamese nationals on suspicion of concealing more than 7.6 million yen in stolen cash linked to a massive burglary syndicate that has plagued multiple prefectures, reports Nippon News Network (July 29).
Pham Hong Bich, 26, and Nguyen Ngoc Viet, 27, are accused of violating the Organized Crime Punishment Law. Investigators allege that in November of last year, the pair hid exactly 7,671,400 yen in stolen cash inside their residence.
The illicit stash, which consisted entirely of paper money and included vintage 100-yen notes, was reportedly looted during a string of residential burglaries in Saitama and surrounding areas that began last November.
During police questioning, Nguyen admitted to the allegations, telling investigators, “I hid the stolen cash under the bed.” Pham, however, has refused to speak, stating, “I will remain silent.”
Investigators believe the two are members of a prolific Vietnamese theft ring operating across five prefectures, including Saitama and Gunma. Police have identified Pham as a suspected ringleader of the syndicate.
Authorities estimate the crime group is responsible for more than 100 burglaries, with total damages amounting to a staggering 48 million yen. Police are continuing their investigation into the syndicate’s broader network.
