Prosecution for illegal fishing activities in foreign waters

On May 17, the provincial Border Guard received a report from local residents that N.B, an individual from Binh Dinh province, and owner/captain of the fishing vessel BD 3XXX3 TS, had taken the vessel and five crew members to foreign waters for illegal fishing activities.

Immediately after receiving the report, the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Border Guard Command instructed relevant agencies to promptly investigate and verify the case for strict legal action. Following the investigation, the provincial Border Guard determined that N.B's actions constitute the crime of "organizing illegal exit for others."

On July 4, the Border Guard Command issued a decision to prosecute the criminal case "Organizing illegal exit for others" under Clause 2, Article 348 of the Criminal Code. Additionally, the provincial People's Procuracy decided to transfer the criminal case to the provincial police's Security Investigation Agency for further investigation and handling in accordance with its authority.

Colonel Dang Cao Dat, Commander of the provincial Border Guard, noted that this is the first criminal case involving the sending of Vietnamese fishing vessels and crew members to foreign waters for illegal fishing activities in the marine border area of ​​Ba Ria - Vung Tau province.

Ba Ria - Vung Tau has recently implemented comprehensive, drastic, and effective measures to combat IUU fishing activities. Despite significant achievements, the province is facing several challenges. Notably, there is a prevalence of intentional IUU fishing violations. This issue directly affects the province's efforts to remove the European Commission's "yellow card."

Accordingly, the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Provincial People's Committee instructed local departments and relevant agencies to enhance their monitoring and handling of criminal information. Additionally, the Provincial People's Committee called for the thorough investigation and strict handling of fishing vessels that engage in illegal fishing activities.