HCM City Police Department worked on August 19 with the five foreigners following reports of people dressed as monks selling goods on the streets.
Five foreigners in monk robes investigated for street vending in HCM City (Photo: HCM City Police Department).
Authorities had earlier received information about foreigners wearing religious robes and approaching tourists, selling items and accepting money from foreign visitors. The activity sparked mixed reactions and raised concerns about the city's image as a civilised tourist destination.
Police conducted an administrative inspection at Le Dai Phat Hotel on An Duong Vuong Street and identified five Chinese nationals: Li Sihu, 59; Zhang Shengpeng, 65; Hu Jinhua, 69; Hu Xujin, 62; and Li Dahua, 63.
At the rooms where the group was staying, officers found several sets of religious robes and souvenirs, including prayer beads, bracelets and pendants in their luggage.
The five were taken to Ben Thanh Ward police headquarters for questioning. Drug tests returned negative results for all of them.
Ben Thanh Ward police advised residents and tourists to remain vigilant about people who may exploit religious imagery to solicit donations or sell goods in public places. They urged people not to support such activities or hand over money without knowing their purpose.
Authorities also called on the public to promptly report anyone suspected of exploiting religious attire to solicit, sell goods or engage in activities that threaten public order so that police can investigate and take appropriate action.
