Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Education for NatureVietnam (ENV) on January 22 revealed that 16 international and social organisationsin wildlife protection in Vietnam signed a letter calling on Vietnamese lawenforcement agencies to strictly handle Nguyen Mau Chien, the suspectedmastermind of a trans-national rhino horn trafficking ring.
Chien also has links with the illegal smuggling and traffickingof other animals. His trial will be held on January 26 in Hanoi, with twocharges of transporting and stockpiling banned goods under the Article 155 ofthe Penal Code.
Among the organisations that signed the letter are theCentre of Hands-On Actions and Networking for Growth and Environment, the ENV,Freeland, Free the Nears, TRAFFIC, WildAct Vietnam, the World Animal Protectionand the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources inVietnam.
In the letter, the organisations expressed theirbelief that an accurate judgment will be made, deterring anyone who harmswildlife and showing the determination of Vietnam in combating wildlife crimes.
The organisations also pledged to accompany Vietnamand support the country’s efforts in fighting illegal trading of wild animals.
Bui Thi Ha, ENV Vice Director said that this is achance for Vietnam to turn its commitments into actions to eliminate wildlifetrafficking.
Earlier at Chien’s trial on November 27, 2017, the judgingcouncil asked for supplementary investigation to clarify the origin of some seizedexhibits and conflicts in defendants’ statements.
Chien, who was arrested in April, 2017, is allegedlythe head of a wild animal trafficking ring from Africa to Vietnam. In 2007, hewas arrested and punished in Tanzania for illegally transporting wild animals.
He is suspected to have links to illegal trading oftigers and tiger caging in Thanh Hoa. In the last five years, his ring is believed to have expanded its operations in Africa, focusing on rhino horn,elephant tusks and pangolin scales trading.
In September 2017, in a visit to Vietnam, a delegationof the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Faunaand Flora (CITES)’s Secretariat and Vietnamese authorities reviewed the ratioof arresting and prosecuting of wildlife crimes. CITES recommended that Vietnamstrengthen efforts in trying and apply stricter punishments for the crimes.-VNA
VNA
