Police questioning the 21 illegal migrants. — Photo sggp.org.vn

QUẢNG TRỊ — Two Chinese nationals were caught in the act of helping 21 Vietnamese citizens illegally cross from Việt Nam into Laos.

A joint operation involving border units and police forces of Quảng Trị Province led to the arrest of Zhu Gui Neng (47 years old) and Liu Fang Quang (39 years old) on March 23.

During questioning, Zhu Gui Neng revealed that he needed workers for timber-related work on behalf of a Chinese company in Laos. 

He connected with Hờ Chá Thò, a Vietnamese intermediary from Hà Giang Province, to find willing workers. He claimed he would cover all expenses, intending to deduct them from the workers' wages. 

Each person was expected to pay him RMB280 (US$39).

Border units and police forces detected the 21 migrants’ (20 persons of Mông ethnicity and one Tày) clandestine crossing near the Lao Bảo International Border Gate.

The two were prosecuted for organising illegal emigration on March 28. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case. — VNS