Police in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City have arrested 12 men suspected of stealing and selling around 2,700 cats for meat, according to state media.
Police identified 39-year-old Luu Thanh Binh as the alleged leader of the network. He and 11 others are being investigated on suspicion of theft, state media reported Monday.
Investigators said Binh bought stolen cats, kept them at a facility in the northern part of the city and resold them for meat.
He allegedly worked with suppliers who recruited others to ride motorcycles through residential neighbourhoods between 11pm and 4am, trapping four to 10 cats each night.
Police raided the network on July 8 and recovered around 50 cats and dozens of traps, according to state media. The suspects told investigators they had stolen and sold about 2,700 cats, although police did not disclose how long the operation had been running.
Authorities returned 13 rescued cats to their owners. The remaining animals were placed in the care of a nonprofit animal rights group while officials tried to identify their owners.
Eating dog and cat meat has been practised in parts of Asia, although it is not widespread. In Vietnam, cat meat has traditionally been more popular in northern areas, particularly among older generations.
The practice has declined as pet ownership and urbanisation have increased. Younger Vietnamese people are more likely to view cats and dogs as companion animals.
In 2024, more than 250,000 people signed a petition calling for an end to Vietnam's dog and cat meat trade. The city of Hoi An also pledged in 2021 to stop the sale and consumption of the meat.
Some people believe eating cat meat brings good luck, but there is no scientific evidence to support the belief.
Under Vietnamese law, dogs and cats are considered private property, making their theft a criminal offence. Criminal prosecution generally applies when the value of stolen property exceeds 2 million dong, or about $77.
In a separate raid in June, police rescued more than 400 cats. At least 40 were reunited with their owners, while dozens of dead cats were found packed in ice.