Arrested after nearly 30 years on the run

While serving a life sentence, Phan Van Phat escaped from prison, stole papers and used his brother's name to evade arrest for nearly 30 years before being arrested.

Phan Van Phat was arrested after nearly 30 years on the run - Photo by Huy Phach

On May 5, the Vi Thuy District Police of Hau Giang Province announced that they had coordinated with the Criminal Investigation Department of the Provincial Police, Department C52 and Thu Duc Prison of the Ministry of Public Security to arrest Phan Van Phat (61 years old, residing in Phu Huu Commune, Chau Thanh District, Hau Giang Province), a wanted person after nearly 30 years on the run.

According to the case file, in June 1983, Phat and 6 others used guns and knives to commit many robberies in Chau Thanh district, Hau Giang province, taking away a lot of gold, money and valuable assets. During one robbery, Phat also stabbed the victim, causing injury.

After being arrested with his accomplices, in 1984 Phat was sentenced to life in prison by the People's Court of Hau Giang province for robbery, rape and illegal possession of weapons.

However, less than three years after serving his sentence, Phat escaped from prison and was wanted.

To avoid being caught, Phat stole his brother's identity card and used his brother's name to travel and then married a woman who made a living by trading on the river and rarely went ashore.

On May 3, when Phan Van Phat just arrived at Hamlet 4, Vinh Thuan Tay Commune, Vi Thuy District, he was arrested.

According to Tuoi Tre