The defendants at the courtThe “kingpin” behind a gold smuggling ring involving more than 546 kg of gold worth over VND1.208 trillion, along with the former chair of the Vietnam Gold Company, have been sentenced in a case involving smuggling and violations of accounting regulations “causing serious consequences”. The trial panel sentenced Tran Thi Hoan (41, gold trader) and Pham Tuan Hai (56, former director of Thang Long Trading and Services Co., Ltd.) to 10 years in prison each for the crime of smuggling. Accomplices in the smuggling charge, including Tran Thanh Hieu (39), Vang Thi Phuong (26), Luong Thi Bich Ha (32), Lieng Thi Thuc (25), Nong Thi Thuy Linh (41), and Nguyen Thi Phuong Nga (49), received sentences ranging from 3 to 5 years. Regarding this amount, the court ordered Tran Thi Hoan and Pham Tuan Hai to bear responsibility for compensating the damage. After crossing the border, she would call employees or relatives of Tran Thi Hoan to notify them of the delivery time at Hoan Hue Gold Shop or at a location near the “kingpin’s” residence.

Source: VietNamNet News February 09, 2026 00:03 UTC