A man in Nghe An province has been fined 390 million VND (approximately $15,700) for illegally purchasing and cooking three endangered monkeys, authorities confirmed on February 11.

Bui Thanh An, Vice Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee, signed the decision to impose the administrative fine on Nguyen Canh Cong, 49, a resident of Hong Son commune, Do Luong district.

Illegal wildlife purchase and processing

Cong was found guilty of illegally transporting and purchasing protected wildlife, specifically two red-faced macaques and one rhesus macaque, all of which had already been killed. These species are listed under Group IIB of Vietnam’s endangered wildlife protection laws, which restrict the hunting, trading, and exploitation of rare animal species.

Authorities confirmed that Cong purchased the monkeys from an unidentified seller and brought them home to cook for medicinal purposes.

While his actions violated Vietnam’s strict forestry and wildlife protection laws, the provincial police determined that his case did not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution. Instead, law enforcement recommended administrative penalties, leading to the fine imposed by the Nghe An provincial government.

Strict enforcement and legal consequences

In addition to the fine, the provincial authorities seized and disposed of the three deceased monkeys according to environmental regulations.

Cong is required to pay the full fine within 10 days from the date of the decision. If he fails to comply, authorities will enforce collection measures in accordance with the law.

This case highlights Vietnam’s increasing efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade and reinforce conservation laws, particularly regarding the protection of rare and endangered species.

Thien Luong