On May 7, the Customs Department (Ministry of Finance) reported that smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods, and illegal transportation of goods are becoming increasingly complex issues. The sea route continues to account for a large proportion of violations, with 52.8% of detected, arrested, and handled cases.
A recent case of gold smuggling via air travel
The goods are mainly transported through important seaports such as Dinh Vu, Nam Hai Dinh Vu, Tan Vu, VIP Green, Cat Lai, ICD Phuoc Long, Hiep Phuoc, Vict, and Cai Mep. The offenders often misdeclare information about the goods, including their name, type, quality, customs value, commodity code, and origin.
According to the Customs Department, there has been an increase in illegal transportation of drugs, currency, and gold via air routes. The methods and tricks used by these offenders are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
They take advantage of liberal policies, the development of e-commerce, express delivery services, and goods consignment to smuggle and trade fraudulently, as well as to transport goods illegally. On the road route, the trading and transportation of fireworks and crystal sugar continue in the central provinces and along the Vietnam-Laos border.
The trading and transportation of goods without invoices or documents proving their origin remain complex, especially for frozen food, consumer goods, cigarettes, and tobacco leaves in areas bordering Vietnam’s neighbors, China and Cambodia.
In April 2025, 1,330 cases were detected, arrested, and handled, with an estimated violation value of VND 1,867 billion. In the first four months of 2025, 5,206 cases were detected, arrested, and handled, with an estimated violation value of VND 10,331 billion, and 34 cases were transferred for prosecution.
Regarding drug prevention efforts, the Customs Department, in collaboration with the police and border guards, detected and arrested 16 cases involving 27 subjects in April, confiscating over 1,517 kg of various types of drugs.
In terms of import and export, the total import and export turnover of goods in April 2025 reached USD 74.31 billion. The total import and export turnover of goods in the first four months of 2025 reached USD 276.89 billion, an increase of 15.7%. Export turnover reached USD 140.34 billion, an increase of 13%. Vietnam’s trade balance in goods in the first four months surplus USD 3.8 billion.
“Vietnamese Authorities Request Files on 12 Businesses Linked to Mineral Extraction in Thanh Hoa”
To investigate and verify signs of illegal activities in the mining operations in Thanh Hoa province, the Police Department for Corruption, Economy, and Smuggling Investigations under the Ministry of Public Security has requested relevant departments to provide documents pertaining to 12 businesses.
“Rare Earth Elements Illegally Exported to China, Labeled as ‘Bao Khang Rice’”
Andy Lau, the notorious mastermind, instructed his cohorts to mix chemicals and additives, forming a milky white concoction. This toxic mixture was then carefully packaged in bags deceptively labeled as “Bao Khang Rice: Mom’s Home-Cooked Fluffy Rice.” The cunning use of a familiar, comforting label served as a disguise to conceal their illegal rare earth ore operation.
The Year-End Smuggling Crisis in Quang Tri
As the year draws to a close, the festive season brings with it a surge in consumer spending. This has turned the border areas of Quang Tri province into a hotbed of smuggling activity. The local authorities are on high alert, grappling with the sophisticated tactics employed by those engaged in illicit trade.
The Ultimate Guide to Mastering E-commerce and Social Media Sales: Strategies for Success in the Digital Age
Vice Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh has ordered a strict crackdown on cross-border e-commerce platforms, especially those dealing in low-cost transactions, as well as popular social media sites like Facebook, Zalo, and TikTok, which are often used for online trading and commerce. He emphasized the need to closely monitor major wholesale markets, shopping centers, agencies, and e-commerce platforms to ensure compliance with regulations.
The Great Year-End Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods
The authorities will be cracking down on counterfeit goods, with a keen eye on monitoring e-commerce platforms, Facebook, and TikTok for any illicit trade. A stringent approach will be taken to ensure that these platforms are not used as a haven for illegal activities, with regular sweeps and vigilant oversight.
