Prime Minister Praises Police for Dismantling Major Diamond Smuggling Ring

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has issued a letter of commendation to the police forces of Thanh Hoa province and Ho Chi Minh City for their significant achievement in dismantling a major international diamond smuggling ring. The operation, described as the largest of its kind to date, involved the seizure of over 33,400 diamonds, with an estimated value of around 2 trillion Vietnamese dong (approximately $80 million USD).

The Prime Minister lauded the officers' "excellent feat," highlighting their professional skills, ingenuity, and unwavering determination in combating criminal activities. He specifically recognized the Thanh Hoa Provincial Police for leading the investigation and the Ho Chi Minh City Police for their crucial coordination efforts. This successful operation underscores the police's commitment to upholding law and order.

The investigation revealed that the smuggling ring was led by Abhishek Deepak Patel, a 32-year-old Indian national, who operated through a Hong Kong-based company. The ring involved numerous individuals in Vietnam, including employees from well-known jewelry companies such as PNJ and SJC. The diamonds smuggled were identified as both natural and synthetic.

Authorities have initiated legal proceedings, with 39 individuals arrested and detained for investigation into diamond smuggling charges. The Prime Minister stressed that such successful crackdowns contribute to maintaining a safe and healthy investment and business environment, ultimately serving the economic and social development of the country and protecting the legitimate rights of citizens and businesses. He also urged the Ministry of Public Security to provide appropriate commendations and rewards to the individuals and teams involved in this successful operation.

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The smashing of the diamond smuggling ring is an excellent feat, demonstrating the professional caliber, ingenuity, and the spirit of resolute attack and suppression of crime to the end of the People's Police force in general, and the Thanh Hoa Provincial Police and Ho Chi Minh City Police in particular.