Vietnamese border guards dismantle network bringing Lao nationals into Vietnam illegally for work

Quang Tri border guards have dismantled a network accused of bringing 15 Lao nationals illegally into Vietnam to look for work in Ho Chi Minh City.

The La Lay International Border Gate Border Guard Station said on Sept. 4 that it had coordinated with provincial border-guard investigators and a central reconnaissance unit to break up the cross-border operation. The station opened a criminal case and transferred it to Quang Tri provincial police.

During a patrol on Aug. 29, officers found Ho Van Ngheo, 39, from A Bung village in La Lay commune, transporting two Lao nationals who had no identity documents. A search of his home uncovered seven more Lao nationals without the required identity and immigration papers.

As the investigation expanded, officers detained Ho Thi Khanh, 30, from Can Tom village in Hue city, and Ho Thi A Ut, 37, from A Bung village. The three suspects reportedly admitted organizing the illegal entry of 15 Lao nationals for employment in Ho Chi Minh City.

Authorities are searching for the six remaining Lao nationals.