On 26/11, Hai, 38, residing in Hung Yen province, and Hanh, 40, residing in Hai Ninh ward, were indicted and temporarily detained by the Ha Tinh Provincial Police Investigation Security Agency. They face charges of organizing illegal emigration, under Article 349 of the Criminal Code.
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Suspect Hai (right), at the investigation agency. Photo: Police provided |
According to the investigation, Hai had previously worked illegally in Taiwan from 2012 to 2023 before being deported to Vietnam. In late 2024, seeking to return but unable to obtain legal travel documents, Hai contacted his former boss, Seao Phang, via social media. Seao Phang then introduced Hai to Li Chia Hao, a fishing boat owner who could facilitate illegal sea passage.
Hai used the Line application to finalize arrangements with Li Chia Hao. The agreed cost was 420,000 New Taiwan dollars per person, equivalent to approximately 350 million VND. An initial deposit of 80,000 New Taiwan dollars was required, with the full amount payable upon arrival in Taiwan.
Hai then contacted individuals who had previously worked illegally in Taiwan and been deported, offering them an opportunity to return. In february, Li Chia Hao informed Hai that a boat would enter the Ky Anh sea area. Hai instructed the group to gather at a hotel in Song Tri ward, formerly part of Ky Anh town. There, Hai met Li Chia Hao and Hanh. Hanh was hired for 10 million VND to transport the group from the Hai Ninh ward sea inlet to the offshore handover point using his fishing boat. However, this initial trip was postponed due to a boat malfunction.
In late march, Li Chia Hao announced the journey could proceed. On 8/4, Hanh transported 24 people from Vietnam by boat. After seven days at sea, approximately 50 km from the Taiwanese coast, the vessel was intercepted and seized by the Taiwanese Coast Guard. Of the 24 individuals, 14 have since been deported to Vietnam, while the remaining 10 are awaiting processing.
Investigators stated that each person paid Hai 130,000 New Taiwan dollars, or about 101 million VND, for the illegal passage to Taiwan. The operation was exposed following complaints from the victims, and the investigation is ongoing.
Duc Hung
