Ho Chi Minh City Steps Up Enforcement Against IUU Violations

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Prosecution of Fishing Vessel Owners for Legal Violations

On October 28, 2025, the Investigation Security Agency of the Ho Chi Minh City Police initiated criminal proceedings. It issued an arrest warrant for Le Van Hoi, owner of the fishing vessels BV-93169-TS and BV-93269-TS. Authorities also prosecuted and imposed a travel ban on his younger brother, Le Van Au, ship's captain BV-93169-TS, for “organizing or brokering illegal entry, exit, or stay in Vietnam,” in accordance with Article 348 of the 2015 Penal Code (amended in 2017).

Coast Guard Region 3 patrol ship (Photo: Nhandan Newspaper)

Investigation results showed that on April 3, 2025, Le Van Hoi directed two fishing vessels to depart from Tan Phuoc Port in Long Hai Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, for a fishing trip. On April 7, the two vessels arrived at Tho Quang Port in Da Nang City, where Van Hoi switched off the vessel monitoring system (VMS) and AIS positioning devices to avoid detection.

On April 9, without completing the required departure procedures,

The Investigation Security Agency conducts interrogations with the suspects Hoi and Au (Photo: Nhandan Newspaper)

Van Hoi ordered both vessels and 14 crew members to cross the maritime boundary into foreign waters to conduct illegal fishing.

On May 12, 2025, while engaged in fishing activities, the vessel captained by Van Hoi and its 11 crew members was intercepted and detained by foreign authorities. The other vessel, operated by Van Au with three crew members on board, managed to escape and return to Vietnamese waters. After legal procedures were completed, the foreign side released the vessel and the fishermen, and by July 5, 2025, both fishing vessels arrived at Cat Lo Port in Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

Following directives from the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee to strictly handle IUU fishing violations, the Ho Chi Minh City Police’s Investigation Security Agency swiftly initiated an investigation. On November 1, 2025, the agency issued its investigation report and transferred the case file to the municipal People’s Procuracy for prosecution in accordance with the law.

Coast guard personnel distribute leaflets on IUU fishing to fishing vessel crew members. (Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

Earlier, the Ho Chi Minh City Police’s Investigation Security Agency had launched criminal proceedings in five cases involving six defendants related to IUU violations, some of which were tried in mobile court hearings. These outcomes mark significant progress in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, contributing to Vietnam’s national strategy to have the European Commission’s “yellow card” removed.

Upholding the Role of Frontline Forces in Combating IUU

Alongside investigation and enforcement efforts, Coast Guard Region 3 has continuously conducted patrols and inspections of fishing activities in its managed waters. During each law-enforcement mission, coast guard officers also distribute leaflets and national flags and conduct direct outreach on combating IUU fishing, helping fishermen understand that lawful fishing is essential to protecting their own livelihoods.

Notably, enforcement forces have consistently prioritized search-and-rescue operations, always standing by to support fishermen in emergencies. Most recently, on October 18 and October 27, vessels of Fisheries Surveillance Squadron No. 2 rescued fishermen who had suffered severe injuries at sea.

Fishermen’s vessels operate in the southern maritime waters. (Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

Fisherman Dao Van Quynh, captain of vessel BV-99368-TS, emotionally recounted: “While we were hauling in the nets, one of my crew members was struck in the face by a trawl cable, resulting in a fractured bone and a broken lower jaw, with a deep wound causing heavy bleeding. Fortunately, the fisheries surveillance officers provided timely first aid and guided us safely back to shore.”

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Van Nam, captain of vessel KN-201, shared: “We consider every rescue mission an opportunity to engage with fishermen, provide legal guidance, and remind them to comply with regulations, fish within permitted grounds, and avoid violating foreign waters.”

The year 2025 is considered a critical milestone in Vietnam’s efforts to have the EC’s “yellow card” lifted. Authorities affirm that this goal can only be achieved when fishermen’s compliance with the law goes hand in hand with the coordinated actions of enforcement forces.

Major General Ngo Binh Minh, Commander of Coast Guard Region 3, stated that the unit has conducted more than 246 vessel and boat deployments in recent months, covering over 223,000 nautical miles and inspecting more than 200 fishing vessels. These operations resulted in administrative fines totaling over VND 1.1 billion and the coordinated apprehension of multiple violations, demonstrating the unit’s firm commitment to law enforcement and its role in ensuring a safe and stable maritime environment.

In addition to its core law-enforcement duties, Coast Guard Region 3 has also implemented numerous practical social welfare programs such as “Coast Guard Accompanying Fishermen,” “Tet for Islanders,” and “Spring of Love – Sharing Tet,” providing hundreds of gifts and scholarships to fishermen and students in disadvantaged coastal areas.

Coast Guard gives national flag to fishermen (Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

“When fishermen see that the authorities not only monitor them but also accompany them, they become more willing to comply on their own. This is the most effective form of outreach,” Major General Minh said.

Lieutenant General Bui Quoc Oai, Political Commissar of the Vietnam Coast Guard, stressed during a recent inspection at Coast Guard Region 3: “To lift the yellow card, we need decisive action and the support of the people. Every officer and every fisherman represents the image of a responsible Vietnam that respects international law.”

From strictly handled violations to rescue missions and outreach sessions held far offshore, all of these efforts reflect the determination of the authorities in the fight against IUU fishing.

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