On the run from authorities since 2008, a gang of five alleged thieves, who frequently crossed the Vietnamese border to evade arrest, were arrested on Monday in Prey Veng province and yesterday charged with armed robbery and murder.

Prey Veng provincial police chief Vann Saroeun identified the men as Heng Sa Oum, Phorng Horn, Phorn Phoan, Tong Chivoan and San Sarann.

“These people were former soldiers and experienced armed robbers. They have robbed and killed many people along the border,” the police chief told the Post yesterday.

He said the suspects had been tied to 14 robberies along the border in both Vietnam and Cambodia since 2008, but said they were only being charged with murder after they allegedly confessed to killing several people during their robberies.

However, at this time, no specific murders have been tied to the suspects, he said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Buth Reaksmey Kongkea at [email protected]