The carrier said it had not received any notice from theAustralian authorities and had asked its representative office in Melbourne to work with the local authorities to obtain more information on the incident.
Citing a report by crew members of Flight VN780 fromMelbourne to Ho Chi Minh City on May 23, Vietnam Airlines confirmed that nineout of 11 flight attendants of the flight were questioned by the Australianauthorities on the morning of the day.
After that, eight of them were allowed to flight back toVietnam later during the day while the remainder was further questioned until 6:00pmof the same day. The last attendant boarded a flight back to Vietnam two dayslater.
Earlier, Australia’s 7News channel reported that nine flightattendants of an airline had been questioned by the Australian authorities during araid by the Australian border force and police.
These flight attendants were found carrying a total of 60,000AUD (some 41,600 USD) inside their personal luggage.
7News did not mention the name of the carrier or personaldetails of the attendants who were suspected of committing money laundering.
Under Australia’s regulations, any foreigner who brings 10,000AUD (6,935 USD), or an equivalent amount in other currencies, must make adeclaration when they enter or leave the country. Otherwise, they can besubject to fines or imprisonment./.