In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, law enforcement in Can Tho, Vietnam, has apprehended Vương Lê Anh Tú and Hoàng Trọng Quí, who are allegedly the masterminds behind a large-scale oil smuggling operation. The operation involved the illegal importation of 830,000 liters of diesel fuel from abroad, with the suspects preparing fraudulent documents to mislead authorities.

The arrests took place on July 29, following an extensive investigation that lasted over five months. Vương Lê Anh Tú, 55, from Chánh Hưng, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoàng Trọng Quí, 36, from Trường Thành, Can Tho, were taken into custody as part of a broader inquiry into smuggling activities. This investigation initially led to the arrest of two other individuals, Trần Hữu Nghiệp and Trần Văn Lúa, who were apprehended on February 25 for illegally transporting goods across the border.

According to preliminary investigations, Nghiệp and Lúa were involved in the unlawful transportation of diesel fuel from Vietnam's exclusive economic zone to the mainland for illicit profit. Authorities seized a fuel transport vessel, 830,000 liters of diesel, and various equipment including oil pumps and satellite communication devices used by crew members. The total value of the confiscated items is estimated at nearly 10 billion VND.

As the investigation progressed, Nghiệp revealed that he had provided coordinates for the operation, directing Lúa to maneuver the vessel Lan Vy 15956 to receive the oil from another ship, Trường Dũng 27. When the vessel arrived in Can Tho, it was intercepted by law enforcement.

Further evidence indicated that Nghiệp was managing two vessels and was responsible for the crew's salaries and the purchase of satellite communication equipment. He also prepared invoices and documents to present when authorities conducted inspections. It became clear that Tú and Quí were also integral to the operation, with Tú identified as the primary organizer who coordinated the entire process from purchasing oil overseas to facilitating its transfer and preparing necessary documentation to disguise its origins.

Given the evidence collected, Can Tho police have escalated the charges against Nghiệp and Lúa from illegal transportation of goods to organized oil smuggling, as defined by Article 188 of the Penal Code. The investigation continues as authorities work to dismantle the entire smuggling network.