The People’s Court of Ho Chi Minh City is scheduled to commence a trial on February 3 regarding a high-profile smuggling ring and systemic corruption within the veterinary quarantine sector.
Legal documents reveal that between 2018 and mid-2023, a local business operated by Tran Nguyen Binh and Do Thuy Nhung orchestrated the illegal importation of over 760 shipments. These goods, consisting of bone meal, meat meal, and blood meal derived from ruminants, originated from European countries previously affected by bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) and were strictly prohibited from entering Vietnam.
The total volume of illicit goods is estimated at over 116,000 tons, valued at approximately 1.8 trillion VND. To bypass mandatory quarantine protocols and secure customs clearance, the business established a “monthly fee” system to bribe regional veterinary officials.
Key findings from the investigation include:
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Bribery Mechanism: The entrepreneurs reportedly paid officials between 1 million and 3 million VND per shipment, totaling monthly bribes of 50 million to 150 million VND. One senior quarantine official is accused of receiving 2.9 billion VND in total.
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Defendants: While the two primary business owners are currently under international wanted notices, the trial will involve former leaders of the Regional Veterinary Office VI and specialists from the Department of Animal Health on charges of taking bribes and abuse of power.
The trial is expected to conclude in early March, involving 26 defense lawyers and 38 parties with related interests and obligations.