Ukrainian authorities should show legal basis and the purpose of the recent raid and arrest of Vietnamese citizens in Odessa, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Ukraine Nguyen Minh Tri.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Ukraine Nguyen Minh Tri (L) at a working session related to the case (Source: VNA)

During a working session with representatives from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on February 16, Tri affirmed that the embassy is willing to work closely with Ukraine’s relevant agencies on the case.

The incident raised deep concern among the Vietnamese community in Ukraine as it occurred on the threshold of the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet), the most important festival for Vietnamese, Tri stressed.

All the Vietnamese families that had money seized in this case, are legally residing and working in Ukraine, he stated, adding that the Vietnamese State and the embassy always educate overseas Vietnamese in Ukraine in general, and in Odessa in particular, to strictly abide by the host’s law.

He said he hopes Ukraine’s relevant agencies will properly address the situation in order to protect the legitimate rights and interests of residents in line with its law and the sound traditional friendship between the two countries.

A representative from SBU said the agency has been collecting documents and evidence relating to the incident, and is committed to coordinating with the Vietnamese Embassy to address the case, to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese nationals.

SBU pledged to carry out careful examination of the origin and legal basis of the money seized in the incident, and said the money will be returned to its owners if no criminal activity is detected.

The agency also requested relevant Vietnamese citizens to provide information and submit their complaints to Ukraine’s relevant agencies.

Ukraine authorities raided a Vietnamese quarter called Lang Sen (Lotus Village) in Odessa city on January 28, arresting one Vietnamese national and collecting money from several Vietnamese families.

VNA