Illegal fishing network dismantled, ringleader arrested in Vietnam
VOV.VN - Police in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho have dismantled a network that organised fishing vessels and fishermen to illegally operate in Malaysian waters, arresting the alleged ringleader upon her return to Vietnam.
The alleged ringleader, Huynh Thi Thu Thao, a native of southern Tay Ninh province living in Malaysia, was arrested upon re-entering Vietnam, planning to continue recruiting boat owners and fishermen, said the police on April 4.
According to investigators, Thao used social media to target financially struggling vessel owners and unemployed fishermen seeking higher incomes. She reportedly lured them with promises of “easy jobs with high pay” in Malaysian waters, while claiming that logistics, documentation and even accommodation abroad would be arranged.
She also claimed to arrange logistics support, legalise vessels and travel documents, and secure accommodation abroad to gain victims’ trust. The individual then organised illegal departures or overstays for fishermen and vessels to exploit marine resources for the benefit of foreign operators.
Many victims, convinced by these claims, modified their vessels, disabled vessel monitoring systems (VMS), and used fake registration numbers to cross maritime borders illegally.
Once in foreign waters, fishermen were reportedly placed under strict control, with some facing forced labour conditions or being detained and prosecuted by local authorities.
Investigators determined that Thao played a key role in a broader network involved in illegal entry and exit activities associated with illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
According to Colonel Huynh Hoai Han, deputy director of Can Tho City Police, the case is under further investigation to identify other suspects. He warned that such activities not only violate criminal law but also undermine Vietnam’s efforts to have the European Commission’s IUU “yellow card” lifted and to ensure sustainable fisheries development.
Vietnam, Malaysia enhance cooperation in combating illegal fishing
Vietnam and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen coordination in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries and agricultural development.
