An Indian suspect attempted to smuggle a large quantity of diamonds through Tan Son Nhat Airport, concealing them in checked luggage, carry-on items, and personal effects to avoid detection by airport authorities.

On October 29, the Ho Chi Minh City Economic Police Department reported they are expanding their investigation into a case involving the illegal transport of hundreds of diamonds from overseas to Vietnam for distribution.

The suspect, identified as P.S.H., an Indian national, was detained.

According to initial information, law enforcement became suspicious of potential diamond smuggling activities at Tan Son Nhat International Airport involving a foreign individual. If successfully imported, the diamonds would be sold to Vietnamese buyers in Ho Chi Minh City.

On October 23, officers from the Economic Police Department coordinated with Tan Son Nhat Customs and Tan Binh District Police to inspect P.S.H., who had just entered Vietnam from India. Upon arrival, he proceeded through the green lane without declaring any goods and was found carrying one checked suitcase, one carry-on backpack, and a shoulder bag.

Upon scanning, authorities discovered 716 diamonds carefully concealed in wallets and mixed within his clothing and personal items.

According to initial information, law enforcement became suspicious of potential diamond smuggling activities at Tan Son Nhat International Airport involving a foreign individual. If successfully imported, the diamonds would be sold to Vietnamese buyers in Ho Chi Minh City.

On October 23, officers from the Economic Police Department coordinated with Tan Son Nhat Customs and Tan Binh District Police to inspect P.S.H., who had just entered Vietnam from India. Upon arrival, he proceeded through the green lane without declaring any goods and was found carrying one checked suitcase, one carry-on backpack, and a shoulder bag.

Upon scanning, authorities discovered 716 diamonds carefully concealed in wallets and mixed within his clothing and personal items.

Law enforcement has temporarily seized the items for investigation. Upon examination, authorities confirmed that the seized items included both natural and synthetic diamonds, valued at tens of billions of Vietnamese dong. P.S.H. later confessed.

Ho Chi Minh City Police have detained P.S.H. on charges of “Illegal Transportation of Goods Across Borders” as stipulated under Article 189 of the Penal Code. Investigations are ongoing to identify and track down other individuals potentially involved.

Dam De