Sydney Man Charged Over Brutal Kidnapping, Murder

A man has been charged with the kidnapping and murder of 45-year-old Thi Kim Tran, who was abducted at gunpoint from her Bankstown home in April before her body was found in a burnt-out SUV.

Violent Home Invasion

Police said on April 17, a group of masked men stormed Tran’s home, forcing her to strip naked on the street before shoving her into an SUV.

During the attack, an eight-year-old boy was struck with a baseball bat, leaving him in a coma. A 15-year-old boy was also inside the house at the time. Tran’s remains were later discovered in a torched vehicle in Beverly Hills.

NSW Police believe Tran and her children were targeted because of her husband’s alleged links to a Victorian drug crime network. He has not been charged.

Arrest and Charges

On Thursday, detectives raided a Bankstown unit and arrested 29-year-old The Anh Nguyen, who has since been charged with murder, kidnapping, and assault.

“We will allege the 29-year-old is a key figure in this Victorian drug syndicate,” NSW Police Homicide Squad Commander Joe Doueihi said.

Nguyen allegedly recruited three hitmen to carry out the kidnapping and murder. Police allege he facilitated the crime but did not kill Tran himself. Evidence suggests she was shot before her body was set alight inside the SUV.

Nguyen was refused bail and will appear before Bankstown Local Court. The three alleged hitmen remain on the run.

Ongoing Investigation

The case is being led by Strike Force Bushfield, with police continuing to search for the remaining suspects.

The eight-year-old boy has since emerged from his coma and is recovering well, according to authorities.

Family’s Call for Justice

Loved ones described Tran as a devoted mother. A family member posted on Instagram calling for justice, while a friend told the Sydney Morning Herald:

“She didn’t deserve this. She was a loving mother. Everyone is in shock.”