Photo extracted from CCTV footage. — Photo courtasy of hanoimoi.vn

HÀ NỘI — A suspected child kidnapper was arrested early on Tuesday morning after attempting to snatch a seven-year-old child from the street.

The suspect, Nguyễn Đức Trung, 31, from Tam Dương District, Vĩnh Phúc Province, told Long Biên District Police he intended to ask the victim’s family for a ransom of VNĐ15 billion (US$627,400).

CCTV footage showed that on Monday evening, the child was cycling around Việt Hưng Ward, Long Biên District, Hà Nội.

As he stopped, a Kia Morning car, pulled up next to him.

The car's driver, dressed in a cap, face mask, and a uniform resembling that of a vehicle repairman, exited the vehicle, took the boy into his car, and swiftly departed, leaving the child's bicycle at the scene.

On Monday night, Long Biên Police held an urgent meeting, cordoned off, and inspected the area as part of their investigation into the incident.

The police questioned all potential suspects across various areas.

Their forces were divided and dispatched to several provinces, including Hưng Yên, Bắc Giang, and Hà Nam, to apprehend the suspect.

By 5am on Tuesday, Trung was taken into custody and the child was returned to his family.

Investigations into the case are continuing. — VNS