HO CHI MINH CITY – In a decisive move against illegal street racing and dangerous driving, the Ho Chi Minh City Police announced on the evening of August 20th the prosecution of 21 individuals on charges of causing public disorder. The group, comprised of young people aged 16 to 22, is accused of organizing a mass gathering and engaging in a series of reckless acts on public roads, endangering citizens and disrupting traffic.
The case stems from a coordinated operation on the night of August 16th, when a large group of "quái xế" (a Vietnamese term for reckless bikers or street racers) was intercepted by a specialized task force. Investigations revealed that the individuals had used social media to arrange a meeting point in Long Thành, Đồng Nai province, with the intention of riding to the coastal commune of Phước Hải.
At approximately 11:20 PM, the group, traveling on heavily modified motorbikes, sped along National Highway 51 and National Highway 55. Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene as the bikers weaved through traffic at high speeds, revved their engines to create deafening noise, and performed dangerous swerving maneuvers. To evade identification, many of the riders wore face masks and deliberately obscured their license plates.
A significant police presence, including Traffic Police Team No. 2 and a specialized anti-street racing unit, was mobilized to intercept the group in the Phước Hải area. Authorities successfully stopped and detained 24 individuals and seized 21 modified motorbikes. Inspections of the vehicles confirmed that most had been altered for racing, with loud exhausts, removed rearview mirrors, and other modifications that violated traffic safety regulations.
The individuals taken into custody hail from various provinces, including the former areas of Bình Dương and Đồng Nai, as well as the city of Phú Mỹ in the former Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu province, highlighting the organized and cross-provincial nature of these gatherings.
The Ho Chi Minh City Police have stated that the act of organizing and participating in such activities demonstrates a profound disregard for the law and public safety. The decision to press charges for "causing public disorder" reflects the serious nature of their offenses.
This recent crackdown is part of an ongoing city-wide effort to combat the persistent problem of illegal street racing. Authorities have vowed to continue their stringent patrols and will levy severe penalties against those who organize or participate in such dangerous activities, ensuring the safety and peace of the city's streets. The investigation remains active, with police continuing to process evidence and handle the cases in accordance with the law.
