Border guards dismantle silver smuggling ring from China to Vietnam
VOV.VN - The Border Guard Command and police of Lao Cai province have cracked a large-scale transnational smuggling ring involved in transporting precious metals across the Vietnam–China border.
Authorities arrested a Chinese national, summoned five Vietnamese individuals, and seized over 235 kilograms of pure silver.
Following intelligence gathering and surveillance efforts, border forces uncovered a sophisticated network involved in the unlawful transport of precious metals from China into Vietnam.
The suspects operated under the cover of legitimate customs service businesses registered in both countries, exploiting customs clearance policies and inspection loopholes, particularly for agricultural and consumer goods, at Kim Thanh International Border Gate No. II.
On July 3, border forces stopped and inspected a tractor-trailer with a Chinese license plate, driven by Lu Minh Tri, an ethnic Tay, accompanied by Diao Junwu, a Chinese national. Upon a thorough inspection, officers found 15 silver-colored ingots, each weighing approximately 15.5 kilograms, hidden in unconventional locations such as the battery compartment, air filter housing, and behind the driver and passenger seats.
A forensic analysis later confirmed that the seized material was pure silver, totaling over 235 kilograms.
During interrogation, Diao confessed to transporting the silver at the request of an acquaintance in Vietnam who owed him money. He was promised a payment of 20 Chinese yuan per kilogram for the delivery. Diao claimed ignorance of Vietnamese laws, and cooperated fully with investigators, requesting leniency.
On July 7, the Border Guard Station at the Lao Cai International Border Gate officially initiated criminal proceedings. Investigators have since summoned five additional Vietnamese suspects for questioning as the probe continues to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network.
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