The FBI has added Trung Duc Lu to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List in connection with the kidnapping and murder of two Vietnamese brothers who disappeared from Philadelphia in 2023, authorities announced Tuesday.
Background
Lu is wanted for his alleged involvement in the kidnappings of Tran Van Dinh, 31, and Tran Van Linh, 28, who were last seen in Philadelphia's Chinatown neighborhood on September 15, 2023. The brothers were reported missing by family members after failing to return home.
Investigators believe Lu targeted the brothers in what authorities describe as a calculated abduction. Evidence recovered from the scene indicated the victims were forcibly taken before being transported to an unknown location.
The case initially received attention within Philadelphia's Vietnamese-American community, where family members organized search efforts and pleaded for information about their loved ones. Local police worked with federal agents for months before the investigation expanded.
The Investigation
The FBI Philadelphia Field Office, in coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service and Philadelphia Police Department, has been investigating the case as a homicide investigation after evidence emerged suggesting the victims did not survive their captivity.
Lu is believed to have fled the Philadelphia area shortly after the disappearances. Investigators have tracked what they describe as a pattern of movement consistent with someone attempting to avoid law enforcement detection.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has authorized charges including kidnapping resulting in death and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. The FBI's criminal investigation continues under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James Morrison.
Key Takeaways
- Trung Duc Lu added to FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List
- Two Vietnamese brothers, Tran Van Dinh and Tran Van Linh, disappeared September 15, 2023
- FBI Philadelphia Field Office leading investigation with local and federal partners
- Case being investigated as homicide after evidence emerged victims did not survive
- $50,000 reward offered for information leading to capture
What's Next
The FBI is asking anyone with information regarding Lu's whereabouts to contact local authorities or the nearest FBI office. Authorities are particularly interested in any information about Lu's associates, recent locations, or financial transactions.
Investigators continue to pursue leads across multiple states as they work to locate Lu and bring closure to the victims' family. The FBI will update the public as the investigation develops.
Anyone with information is urged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.