Environment

Wildlife trafficker gets 13 months in prison

The People’s Court of Ha Dong district in Hanoi on March 20 handed down a jail sentence of 13 months on Nguyen Mau Chien for smuggling 36kg of rhino horn, according to the Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV).
Wildlife trafficker gets 13 months in prison ảnh 1Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA)

 Hanoi (VNA) – The People’s Court ofHa Dong district in Hanoi on March 20 handed down a jail sentence of 13 monthson Nguyen Mau Chien for smuggling 36kg of rhinohorn, according to the Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV).

Chien was suspected to bethe mastermind of a ring trafficking rhino horns, elephant tusks and productsof wild animals from Africa to Vietnam.

Bui Thi Ha, Directorof Policy and Legislative Campaigns atENV, acknowledged Vietnam’s breakthrough efforts in the fight against wildlifetrafficking when Chien was brought to trial.

However, she said, the13-month imprisonment is not strict enough to reflect the seriousness of the case.

The centre has expected ahigher prison term to be issued for the defendant which will be a deterrent towildlife traffickers, she said. 

The 2017 Penal Code, whichcame into force since January 1, 2018, increases maximum jail sentences forwildlife crime from seven years to 15 years.

The ENV on January 22revealed that 16 international and social organisations in wildlife protectionin Vietnam signed a letter calling on Vietnamese law enforcement agencies tostrictly handle Chien.

Earlier at Chien’s trial on November 27, 2017,the judging council asked for supplementary investigation to clarify the originof some seized exhibits and conflicts in defendants’ statements.

Chien, who was arrested in April, 2017, wasallegedly the head of a wild animal trafficking ring from Africa to Vietnam. In2007, he was arrested and punished in Tanzania for illegally transporting wildanimals.

In the last five years, his ringis believed to have expanded its operations in Africa, focusing on rhinohorn, elephant tusks and pangolin scales trading.

In September 2017, in a visit to Vietnam, adelegation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species ofWild Fauna and Flora (CITES)’s Secretariat and Vietnamese authorities reviewedthe ratio of arresting and prosecuting of wildlife crimes. CITES recommendedthat Vietnam strengthen efforts in trying and apply stricter punishments forthe crimes.-VNA
VNA
#People’s Court of Ha Dong #Nguyen Mau Chien #rhino horn #Education for Nature Vietnam #wildlife traffickers #Vietnam #VietnamPlus #Viet Nam News
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

See more

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has reported initial signs that the fuel is helping reduce emissions and protect the environment. (Photo: VNA)

E10 biofuel shows initial environmental benefits: Ministry

An official said the initial results indicate the nationwide rollout has begun to achieve its intended objectives, but more comprehensive monitoring over a longer period, with a wider observation network and more frequent measurement, is needed for a precise and objective assessment.

Forest development in Phan Son commune, Lam Dong province. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Vietnam lays groundwork for transparent carbon market

Experts say the launch of the trading platform is only the first step. The long-term success of the market will depend on a transparent system backed by robust measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) standards to ensure every transaction reflects genuine emissions reductions.

A rubber plantation are in Dong Nai province. Vietnam has more than 900,000 ha of rubber plantations, with over 60% operated by smallholders. (Photo: VNA)

Rubber traceability accelerated as EU deforestation regulation deadline nears

Speaking at a conference held recently in Ho Chi Minh City to gather feedback on draft EUDR compliance guidelines for the rubber sector, Nguyen Quoc Manh, Deputy Director of the Plant Production and Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, said that Vietnam had spent the past three years preparing for the regulation through awareness campaigns, training programmes and coordination with ministries, local authorities and businesses.

A view of the Can Gio mangrove forest, a crucial "carbon sink" ecosystem that contributes to generating carbon credits for operating Vietnam's carbon market. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam earns 56.5 million USD from forest carbon credit sales to World Bank

Speaking at a conference in Hanoi on July 2 to introduce Decree No. 180 on forest carbon sequestration and storage services, Luong said the latest transaction brought the country's total revenue from the transfer to 56.5 million USD, covering 11.3 million tonnes of CO2 emission reductions at a price of 5 USD per tonne.

Dray Sap Waterfall is located within the UNESCO Dak Nong Global Geopark in Nam Da commune, Lam Dong province. (Photo: VNA)

UNESCO review spurs conservation drive at Dak Nong Global Geopark

The provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the Vietnam UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and relevant agencies, surveyed 41 geological, cultural and tourism sites across the geopark, identifying a number of issues requiring urgent attention to safeguard the site's outstanding values.

The release site is carefully selected to provide suitable ecological conditions and improve the pangolin's chances of survival in the wild. (Photo: VNA)

Tay Ninh releases rare pangolin back to nature

Following health checks, care and monitoring, the pangolin was confirmed be in good condition and fit for release. The release site was carefully selected to provide suitable ecological conditions and improve the animal's chances of survival in the wild.

Sarus cranes cranes are being cared for at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand. (Photo: VNA)

Six sarus cranes from Thailand arrive in Dong Thap

Of the six cranes, two are males and four females, with individual weights ranging from 5.3kg to 6.7kg. The birds were raised at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo in Thailand and transported to Vietnam by air.