The Thanh Hoa provincial police have successfully disrupted a major international diamond smuggling ring, leading to the arrest of 22 suspects and the seizure of around 1,100 diamonds. The total estimated revenue from the diamonds sold in the market is approximately 280 billion VND.

On July 2, the Thanh Hoa police announced the expansion of Case 268V, targeting violations of industrial property rights and jewelry smuggling in the province and related areas. The investigation uncovered a large-scale smuggling operation managed by foreign nationals, characterized by its organized structure and sophisticated methods of transportation and payment.

Initial findings indicate that the leaders of this smuggling ring are Indian nationals, primarily residing in Hong Kong. They collected diamonds in India, consolidated them in Hong Kong, and then illegally transported them to Vietnam for sale. The operation was organized in a multi-layered structure, with each participant responsible for specific tasks to evade law enforcement.

Key figures identified in the investigation include Abhishek Deepak Patel, an Indian national responsible for managing goods and finances in Vietnam, and Trịnh Quang Chung, who directly received diamonds in Hong Kong and transported them to Vietnam. Additionally, Đặng Ngọc Sơn and Trần Thị Hằng were involved in the distribution of diamonds in Ho Chi Minh City and other regions.

On June 20, 2026, the Thanh Hoa police, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City police, executed simultaneous legal measures, apprehending 22 suspects and searching 20 locations, including jewelry businesses and residences. Authorities confiscated approximately 1,100 diamonds, along with various documents, electronic data, transaction records, and other evidence relevant to the investigation.

According to preliminary investigation results, since 2024, this smuggling ring has conducted 141 shipments, bringing over 28,000 diamonds from Hong Kong into Vietnam, generating an estimated revenue of around 280 billion VND. The Thanh Hoa police have formally charged 22 individuals with smuggling and are continuing to investigate further to clarify the roles of various organizations and individuals involved.

Notably, the case also involves Đặng Ngọc Thảo, the director of PNJ-LAP, a subsidiary of Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ). Investigators have identified Thảo as having colluded with others to sell smuggled diamonds, including falsifying certification information and altering GIA codes to mislead the market.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to expand their inquiry into the broader network involved in this illegal activity.