On 10/6, the Thanh Hoa provincial police investigation agency initiated criminal proceedings and executed temporary arrest warrants against six individuals to investigate the crime of smuggling.

The suspects include: Ho Thi Mai Thanh, 45, residing in TP HCM; Huynh Dai Phu, 26, residing in Tay Ninh; Bui Nguyen Yen Nhi, 36, Nguyen Thi Thao, 42, Doan Thoai Xuan Tuong, 35, all residing in Dong Nai; and Nguyen Thi Huong, 46, residing in Thanh Hoa.

Exhibits seized in the case. *Photo: Lam Son*

Authorities allege that recently, capitalizing on high domestic gold prices and the significant disparity with world market rates, the suspects colluded to establish a ring. This ring smuggled gold bars from Cambodia into Vietnam for sale, profiting from the price differences.

Investigators determined this to be a large-scale smuggling ring. It operated across multiple locations, moving gold from Cambodia through the Tay Ninh border area, then transporting it to TP HCM, Dong Nai, and Thanh Hoa.

To evade authorities, ring members primarily communicated via messaging applications such as Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp, and Zalo. Payments were made in cash, limiting bank transfers to avoid detection.

After smuggling gold into Vietnam, the suspects fragmented it, then sought to legalize its origin before selling it on the market. According to investigators, this tactic complicated the process of collecting evidence and verifying criminal acts.

Suspect Ho Thi Mai Thanh working with investigators. *Photo: Lam Son*

Initially, authorities determined the ring smuggled approximately 200 kg of gold bars from Cambodia into Vietnam, valued at nearly 1,000 billion VND. During searches and the investigation, authorities seized over 8 kg of gold and numerous related documents and exhibits.

Investigators are expanding the case.

Le Hoang