As Vietnam strives to conserve biodiversity and protect endangered wildlife, some individuals continue to illegally trade and transport endangered species for personal gain.

Through online monitoring since May 2024, the Economic Police Department of Lai Chau Provincial Police discovered a group involved in buying and selling endangered and precious wildlife from Lai Chau to southern provinces.

On May 18, 2024, Lai Chau Provincial Police arrested Nguyen Van Toan (born in 1986, residing in Muong Te district, Lai Chau province) while transporting two sun bears and seven big-headed turtles. Toan confessed to being a mere transporter at the request of Le Thi Huong (born in 1976, residing in Muong Te district, Lai Chau province) with the purpose of transporting them to Hanoi for sale to customers.

Immediately after obtaining Toan’s initial confession, the authorities conducted a search of Le Thi Huong’s residence and discovered and seized many wild animals along with other related objects and documents.

Furthermore, while the authorities were conducting the search, Nguyen Van Tuan (who was living with Huong as husband and wife) resisted the authorities. He was subsequently arrested and charged with “Resisting Persons Performing Official Duties” under Article 330 of the Penal Code.

With clear evidence, the People’s Procuracy of Lai Chau Province has decided to prosecute the following individuals: Bui Van Cuong (born in 1982, a key link helping Huong buy and sell endangered and precious wildlife), Le Thi Huong, and Nguyen Van Toan for the crime of “Violating regulations on the protection of endangered and precious wildlife” under Article 244 of the Penal Code.

It is evident that, in addition to the efforts of the authorities, wildlife protection requires the joint efforts of the entire community. Let’s work together for a green and sustainable planet for future generations!

Source: Bao ve Phap luat newspaper