Bank robbery suspect was once in prison for extortion

This man, who once caused an explosion to threaten and blackmail an official in Binh Duong province, has been serving a prison sentence for nearly a year.

On September 7, according to sources, Dong Nai Provincial Police were still searching for Pham Manh Hung (28 years old, Xuan Hoa commune, Xuan Loc district), the suspect who robbed HDBank in Gia Ray town (Xuan Loc district, Dong Nai) on September 1.

As we have reported, immediately after the daring robbery that caused panic, the leaders of Xuan Loc District Police reported to the Dong Nai Provincial Police Department to increase forces.

From the camera images recorded at the transaction office, the police found that the suspect was about 25 years old and about 1.65 m tall. The suspect prepared very carefully before committing the crime and knew the escape route well.

Immediately after that, dozens of detectives were deployed. The detectives collected security camera images on the route and area that the robber passed through. After examining the images, the vehicle used by the robber and the way he escaped, the police determined that the robber had prepared carefully before committing the crime and that he was likely a local. Immediately after that, the police screened for prominent suspects, whose appearance was similar to the camera recording along with the Sirius motorbike.

Searching Hung's house, the police discovered many homemade mines. Photo: V. Hoi

Image of the suspect before the robbery.

While the police were investigating, on the afternoon of September 4, the authorities discovered a motorbike in the protective forest of the Xuan Loc Protective Forest Management Board (in Xuan Hoa commune, Xuan Loc district). The location where the suspected motorbike was discovered was about 40 km from the crime scene. After a quick verification, the motorbike had characteristics similar to the one the suspect used to escape after committing the robbery.

Using professional measures, the police quickly approached Hung’s house (about 3 km from where the motorbike was found). However, the suspect was no longer present in the area at this time. Searching the suspect’s residence, the investigation agency seized seven homemade mines.

Police also detained Hung’s brother for investigation into the act of not reporting a crime. According to the initial investigation, the motorbike used in the above bank robbery was borrowed by Hung’s brother from a friend and then given to Hung to use.

Police are continuing to identify the car owner and other people involved.

When they arrived at the suspect Hung's house, the doors were locked. People said Hung's parents were away on business, the house had been closed for several days and no one thought Hung was a suspect in the robbery.

According to local residents, in early 2009, Hung's brother dropped out of college and went to Thu Dau Mot City (Binh Duong) to work for a rolling door shop. A year later, Hung and his brother caused an explosion to threaten and blackmail an official in Binh Duong province. Both were later arrested, Hung was sentenced to six years in prison, and his brother was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison for terrorism and illegal manufacturing and possession of explosives.

About a year ago, both of them finished their prison terms and returned to their hometowns, rarely communicating with people around them.

“Sometimes I see Hung and his brothers going out. They don’t socialize with local youth. Hung’s parents both work for hire in many places and only come home occasionally,” said a neighbor.

A leader of Xuan Loc District Police said the case is still under investigation by the police so no further information can be provided.

According to PLO