HIDDEN WEALTH. Vietnamese Customs officers arrest a Chinese national who reportedly slipped gold pieces in Hanoi Friday (Oct. 4, 2024). The passenger hid two gold pieces in the soles of his shoes and one in his private area. (VNS)
HÀ NỘI – Hà Nội Customs authorities have detained a Chinese national caught smuggling nearly 3 kg of gold into Vietnam.
The incident occurred on Friday when customs officers noticed unusual behavior during routine procedures for passengers arriving on flight UO550 from China's Hong Kong.
The passenger was found to have concealed metal items, suspected to be gold, in his clothing and shoe soles.
Further inspection revealed three pieces of gold-colored metal with a total weight of 3kg.
The passenger, identified as a China's Hong Kong resident, later admitted that the metal pieces were 9999-grade gold, valued at approximately VNĐ6 billion (about USD240,000).
Customs officers have handed over the suspect and evidence to the police for further investigation. (VNS)
