Recently, HCM City police, in coordination with Thu Duc City Police, conducted an administrative inspection of an apartment in the Masteri building, Thao Dien ward. They caught a Korean man and his Vietnamese girlfriend using drugs, seizing three bags of drugs and related paraphernalia.
This case exemplifies how "partygoers" prefer luxury apartments for their activities.
In another incident, comedian Huu Tin was caught using drugs with friends in an apartment in the Giai Viet building, District 8. Similarly, in early June, HCM City Police and relevant agencies under the Ministry of Public Security inspected several high-end apartments in Thao Dien ward, Thu Duc city, and ward 22, Binh Thanh district. They arrested 19 Chinese nationals involved in high-tech fraud activities and confiscated various technological equipment.
Luxury apartments have also become hubs for high-end prostitution. Some prostitution rings rent apartments for 20-30 million VND per month to host clients. Additionally, some restaurants and karaoke bars with female receptionists rent luxury apartments to facilitate sex work.
Lieutenant Colonel Le Manh Ha, Deputy Head of the Staff Department of HCM City Police, noted that criminals favor luxury apartments because they are well-protected, often using magnetic cards to control access. These apartments also have good soundproofing, making illicit activities hard to detect. In some cases, criminals collude with on-site security forces to alert them of strangers or police presence, allowing them to destroy evidence quickly.
There have been instances where residents have actively reported suspicious activities, aiding police efforts. Lieutenant Colonel Ha emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness. Police have deployed various measures to monitor and manage social order within apartment buildings, ensuring prompt action against any criminal activities.
HCMC Police urge apartment owners and service providers to comply with residence registration regulations. Suspicious activities should be reported immediately to the nearest police agency. Those found concealing or assisting criminals will face strict legal consequences.
Dam De