Ho Chi Minh City Police arrested Nguyen Van Loi, 48, head of the Vung Tau Forest Protection Station, on 20/5 for brokering bribery. In connection with the case, Truong Thi Kim Ha, 48, owner of an ornamental bird business, is under investigation for giving bribes.

Mr. Loi (right) and Ms. Ha. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*

On 20/5, Ho Chi Minh City Police announced the prosecution of Nguyen Van Loi, an official with the Phu My Forest Ranger Department, for receiving bribes. Truong Thi Kim Ha, owner of an ornamental bird shop on Thong Nhat street, Tam Thang ward, is being investigated for violating regulations on protecting endangered and rare animals.

The investigation revealed that on 7/5, the Economic Police Department, in coordination with the Phu My Forest Ranger Department, inspected Ha's ornamental bird shop due to suspicions of illegal wildlife trade. However, at the time of the inspection, the animals in the shop had already been moved elsewhere.

Investigators determined that Loi, who was assigned to the inspection team, had forewarned the shop owner to evade law enforcement. The task force later discovered 430 birds and three reptiles of unknown origin hidden in a warehouse approximately 20 meters from the shop. Expert assessment confirmed that 73 individuals were rare wildlife listed in Group IIB, while the remainder were common wild animals. All animals were handed over to the Ho Chi Minh City Forest Protection Department for rescue.

To legalize the illegally kept animals, Ha contacted Nguyen Hanh Phuc, 41, from Dak Lak, online to purchase a timber declaration list. Subsequently, Ha asked Loi for guidance on business and captivity permit procedures and repeatedly offered him money for assistance.

The ornamental birds illegally kept by Ms. Ha. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*

Ho Chi Minh City Police stated they are expanding the investigation into the case. Authorities also urged the public to comply with wildlife protection regulations, warning that illegal hunting, captivity, transport, trade, or aiding and abetting such violations may result in legal action, including criminal prosecution if sufficient evidence for a crime is found.

By Truong Ha