The Ho Chi Minh City Police Investigation Agency announced on May 19 that authorities had prosecuted and detained Vu Thi Ngoc Anh, 49, and Nguyen Duy Tan, 45, on smuggling charges.
The investigation followed the discovery on April 20 of more than 2.2kg of 9999 gold carried by Ngoc Anh at Tan Son Nhat International Airport as she prepared to board a flight to Phu Quoc.
Vu Thi Ngoc Anh and Nguyen Duy Tan have been charged (Photo: Nguyen Trang).
Authorities said the gold was valued at around VND 9.7 billion (approximately USD 374,000). Suspecting illegal transportation of goods, officers carried out an inspection.
During questioning, Ngoc Anh allegedly admitted the gold had been purchased in Cambodia and smuggled into Vietnam to profit from price differences between the two countries.
Investigators said the gold had been melted down and recast to alter its original form before being transported for sale.
Police found Ngoc Anh carrying 2.2 kilogrammes of gold at the airport (Photo: Nguyen Trang).
According to Ho Chi Minh City Police, rising differences in gold prices between Cambodia and Vietnam led the suspects to organise the smuggling operation from early 2026.
The group allegedly exchanged Vietnamese dong for US dollars before splitting the cash among multiple couriers who carried it into Cambodia without customs declarations.
In Phnom Penh, the money was reportedly used to purchase 9999 gold jewellery, including bracelets and pendants.
The gold was then divided into smaller quantities and worn as personal jewellery to evade detection while crossing back into Vietnam through Moc Bai border gate in Tay Ninh Province.
Once inside Vietnam, the gold was allegedly taken to Nguyen Duy Tan’s residence, where it was melted and recast into larger blocks to conceal its origin before being sold domestically.
The quantity of gold seized by police (Photo: Nguyen Trang).
Investigators said the network carried out around 10 smuggling trips between early 2026 and the time of discovery. Each shipment was estimated to be worth roughly VND 30 billion (approximately USD 1.16 million), generating substantial illegal profits.
Ho Chi Minh City Police said investigations are continuing to identify and prosecute other individuals linked to the operation in accordance with the law.
