Chinese nationals prosecuted for organizing illegal entry into Vietnam

Vietnamese police have launched criminal proceedings on three Chinese for smuggling immigrants into the country, according to the Criminal Investigation Agency's Office under the Ministry of Public Security.

The police have arrested and launched criminal proceedings against Chi Jin Hua (born in 1993), Wu Ding Sen (1988) and Guo Long (1984), who are residing in Fujian province of China on charges of smuggling foreign people into the country.

The above-mentioned Chinese nationals are an important clue in the chain of bringing foreigners into Vietnam illegally. They are responsible for arranging accommodation for nearly 50 Chinese people unlawfully staying in Hanoi’s districts of Cau Giay and Nam Tu Liem.

They were detected in early May.

Wu Ding Sen, a Chinese national, is arrested on charges of smuggling foreign people into Vietnam. Photo: Vietnam police

The Criminal Investigation Agency's Office said that Wu Ding Sen entered Vietnam on March 27, via Noi Bai International Airport, sponsored by the Southeast Asian agricultural, forestry and food import-export joint stock company in Vietnam.

After being put under quarantine in the central province of Thanh Hoa, Wu Ding Sen went to Hanoi and rented a room in D’Capitale apartment building in Cau Giay district where he harbored illegal Chinese immigrants.

After that, the police continued to detect 46 more illegally Chinese immigrants in Florence apartment building in Nam Tu Liem district, the investigation agency said, adding they were smuggled in by Chi Jin Hua and Guo Long.

The investigation agency found another 12 Chinese people (seven men, five women) staying at the Samsora building in Ha Dong district.

Questions arise over purpose of Chinese nationals illegally entering Vietnam

Maj. Gen. To An Xo, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Public Security on May 5 told media that in the first four months of 2021, Vietnam has recorded a total of 199 cases of illegal entry involving 1,443 Chinese nationals.

He noted that the illegal immigrants has not only violated Vietnam's sovereignty, but also brought Covid-19 threats for the country, threatening locals’ health and jobs.

Visa of Wu Ding Sen. Photo: Vietnam police

"We are currently seeking measures aimed at clarifying methods and tricks used by people to smuggle people into the nation, in an attempt to halt the potential spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from imported sources," Xo added.

Initial investigations show smugglers are making use of online social networks to connect with people who are seeking to enter Vietnam illegally. A number of detainees have revealed that most illegal immigrants are looking for employment, although some entered for reasons unknown so far.

It is imperative to tighten control of illegal entrants who take refuge in guest houses, hotels, and other types of accommodation. In addition, relevant forces need to reinforce check-points and prosecute brokers as well as illegal immigrants to serve as a deterrent to others.

Illegal immigrants who are detected and subsequently test negative for Covid-19 will be returned to China. Lodging businesses who fail to comply with regulations may have their licenses withdrawn, face administrative penalties, or even criminal penalties, Xo confirmed.