Federal police are asking for assistance in locating a missing toddler from Canberra, believed to be in the care of a woman his parents “met at a coffee shop”.
According to reports, 17-month-old Hoang Vinh Le is believed to be with a female referred to only as “Kathy Nguyen”. The woman allegedly took the child after his parents paid her $200 to care for their toddler son.
The reasoning behind this is unknown.
Australian toddler missing
What we do know, however, is that the Australian Federal Police are concerned for this little boy’s welfare.
In a joint statement, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia appealed for information.
The parents have not provided sufficient details to enable the police to identify the person who they say is caring for Vinh,” AFP said.
“Authorities have not been able to confirm whether the person who may be caring for the child is known by ‘Kathy Nguyen’ name or exists at all.”
According to authorities, Hoang Vinh Le was in the care of his maternal grandmother in Canberra on 9 April 2021. His parents, Hoang Thanh Le and Lyn Kim Do removed their son.
Court Orders were out in place for the return to his maternal grandmother but these orders had “not been complied with.”
‘Concerned for his welfare’
The toddler’s parents were located and arrested by police on May 20. It is then they told the authorities they gave the child to a person they had met at a coffee shop on about May 19 and had paid her $200 to care for the child.
The Recovery Order remains in effect as Vinh’s location and the identity of the person who is with him are currently unknown and authorities are concerned for his welfare.”
