On September 4th, at the Lao Cai International Border Gate, the Operational Department and the Border Guard Station of the Lao Cai International Border Gate, in collaboration with the Police, Customs, and other authorities, apprehended four individuals illegally transporting precious metals from China to Vietnam. The suspects are: Nguyen Thi Bich Dao (born in 1989, residing in Village 1, Coc San Commune); Cu Thi Hong (born in 1959, residing in Tong Mon Village, Coc San Commune); Hoang Thi Tham (born in 1984, residing in Group 4, Kim Tan Ward); and Tran Thi Gai (born in 1961, residing in Group 3, Lao Cai Ward).
The seized evidence includes nine rectangular gold bars, measuring 5.5 x 3.8 cm, with one flat side and one convex side featuring an embossed image of Buddha.
Hoang Thi Tham, one of the suspects.
Cu Thi Hong (left) and Tran Thi Gai (right) at the investigation office.
Preliminary investigations reveal that this group frequently transported goods for hire from Hekou (China) to Vietnam for a fee. Recently, they shifted to transporting gold for an unidentified Chinese woman, earning 100,000 VND per piece.
The specialized task force has directed the drafting of arrest warrants, sealing of evidence, and further investigation, including expert appraisal.
Seized evidence in the case.
The Forensic Science Institute (Ministry of Public Security) confirmed that all nine seized metal pieces are gold (Au) with an average purity of 99.95%. The total weight is 2,533.2 grams (equivalent to 675.52 taels), valued at approximately 7.836 billion VND.
The Border Guard Station of the Lao Cai International Border Gate has decided to initiate criminal proceedings for further investigation within their jurisdiction.
