Vietnam trial opens for alleged ringleader in US$519 million illegal money transfer to China

HANOI: The Hanoi People’s Court on Wednesday opened the first-instance criminal trial of Tran The Manh, alleged ringleader of a ring accused of smuggling and illegally transferring US$519 million to China, along with 11 other defendants.

All 12 defendants face charges of smuggling, illegally transporting currency across the border, forging documents issued by agencies and organisations, as well as tax evasion.

Under the indictment, motivated by financial gain, Manh, 44, from Hoai Duc Commune, Hanoi, and his sister Tran Thi Nga, 49, along with their accomplices committed a series of offences in the northern mountainous province of Lang Son and Hanoi between 2021 and 2023.

Between 2018 and 2023, Manh either established seven companies in his own name or used relatives as nominees to establish them.

After the companies were set up, those acting as nominees handed over their signatures and company seals to Manh for management.