FBI Offers Up to $1 Million Reward for Alleged Gang Member Wanted in Torture Killings

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading directly to the arrest of Trung Duc Lu, a suspected gang member wanted in connection with the torture, kidnapping and killing of two men in Philadelphia.

Federal authorities say Lu is sought for his alleged role in the August 2014 torture, kidnapping and murder of two Vietnamese brothers in Philadelphia, as well as the torture and kidnapping of a third man who survived the attack. On July 10, 2019, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Lu in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania after he was charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, three counts of kidnapping, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, multiple extortion-related counts, conspiracy to distribute marijuana and aiding and abetting.

Investigators describe Lu as a suspected member of the Born to Kill street gang, also known as BTK or Canal Boys, with strong ties to New York City and Queens, where he previously lived. Lu, who was born in Vietnam and moved to the United States as a teenager, was last confirmed to be in Vietnam and is considered an international flight risk.

Lu, 45, is described as 5 feet, 7 inches tall and about 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has numerous tattoos, including a dragon in the center of his back with the words “Asian Pride” in large script above it, a tattoo over his left pectoral and heavy tattooing on both upper arms featuring a dragon, claw design and tiger. Authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous.

The FBI is urging anyone with information about Lu’s whereabouts to contact its toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), reach out to a local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. The investigation is being led by the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office.