On 18/4, the Nghe An Provincial Police Investigation Agency announced the indictment and temporary detention of Chuong, 34, from Ninh Binh province, for violating regulations on protecting endangered, precious, and rare animals, under Article 244 of the Penal Code.

Suspect Chuong at the investigation agency. *Photo: Police provided*

According to the investigation, since February, Chuong established a network, regularly collecting wild animals or products from endangered, precious, and rare species listed in the Red Book, transporting them from the southern region to northern provinces for consumption.

Chuong's group used social media for selling and trading, operating subtly across many localities.

Police inspect the exhibits. *Photo: Police provided*

In late March, at the Dien Chau - Bai Vot expressway interchange, passing through Minh Chau commune (formerly part of Dien Chau district), authorities inspected a passenger vehicle driven by Chuong and driver Bui Khac Tho, 46, from Thanh Hoa.

During the inspection, police discovered the vehicle was packed with 40 plastic cages containing: 14 hornbills, 16 otters belonging to Group IB, and 181 monkeys belonging to Group IIB. All are endangered, precious, and rare animals.

The wild animals discovered in the passenger vehicle. *Photo: Police provided*

The case is under further investigation.

Duc Hung