On November 6, Quang Ninh City Police said they had discovered a personal Facebook account belonging to the 39-year-old man during routine monitoring of online activity. The account contained posts and photographs advertising the sale of herons, egrets and other wild birds without proof of legal origin.
Authorities inspect the home of the offender (Photo: Police).
Police worked with Forest Protection Unit 3, under the city's Forest Protection Sub-department, to verify the case and question the man.
During questioning, he admitted that he had posted the photographs and advertisements on his Facebook account with the intention of selling the birds for profit.
However, a subsequent inspection of his home found no birds in his possession, despite the online advertisements.
After receiving explanations from the authorities about the legal implications of his actions, the man acknowledged that he had broken the law and removed the offending posts.
Authorities imposed an administrative fine of VND 7.5 million (approximately USD 292).