Smuggling, trade fraud worsen along northern border

Smuggling and trade fraud has become increasingly complicated across the northern border, officials proclaimed during a working session on April 21.
Smuggling and trade fraud has become increasingly complicated across thenorthern border, officials proclaimed during a working session on April21.

During the session, the National SteeringCommittee on Prevention and Control of Smuggling, Trade Fraud and FakeCommodities office (Committee 389) presented its report, saying a totalof 6,491 violations were detected with fines amounting to more than 230billion VND (10.7 million USD).

The legal system has begun proceedings against 936 individuals involved in 675 cases, it said.

Participating officials observed smuggling operations have constantlyevolved to avoid easily disrupted patterns and to make catching them inthe act more difficult. They have shifted away from long known hotspots and shipped goods by water and air rather than solely by road.They work as well-organised rings and have become more aggressive.

Participants went on to discuss efficient measures to countering smuggling and strengthening agency coordination.

Currently there are six separate government forces responsible forpreventing smuggling and trade fraud: customs, border police, police,tax authorities, maritime police and market management forces.

In 2014, only 11 cases of counterfeit goods nationwide wereprosecuted with the rest resulting in fines. Beer, wine, cosmetics,pesticides and fertilisers made up the majority of seized fake goods.-VNA

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