Ho Chi Minh City police detain nine over alleged ring that forged diplomas and more than 670 official seals
Vietnamese police say the group sold tens of thousands of fake documents, including academic diplomas that buyers allegedly used to apply for jobs.
Police in Ho Chi Minh City have started criminal proceedings against nine people accused of forging the seals and documents of state agencies and organisations, Viet Nam News and Dan Tri reported on 1 November. All nine have been detained.
Investigators from the city's economic police said the suspects were caught on 15 October while handing over forged papers. Searches turned up more than 670 counterfeit seals, along with equipment and vehicles allegedly used to make and deliver the documents.
What was allegedly forged
Police said the group produced tens of thousands of fake documents. These included academic diplomas at every level, professional practice and technical certificates, equipment inspection certificates, vehicle registration papers and driving licences. The ring is alleged to have made illegal profits of billions of Vietnamese dong.
Dan Tri reported that the case came to light after people were found using forged diplomas and certificates to apply for jobs at agencies and organisations. Police named Hoang Nhat Vu, a resident of Di An ward, as the alleged ringleader, accused of producing the documents and overseeing their brokering and distribution. The other eight suspects were not named.
How the group allegedly operated
According to police, the group sold through anonymous social media accounts, used unregistered phone numbers and false identities, and sent documents by post or delivery apps. Payments were allegedly routed through bank accounts bought from or registered to other people. Viet Nam News quoted police as saying the suspects made serious efforts to conceal their identities, transactions and money flows.
The investigation is continuing. Police have asked anyone who ordered, brokered, traded or used the forged documents to come forward. EFC previously reported a separate Vietnamese case involving fake diplomas sold from Cambodia; this is a different investigation.
Verification lessons
Rings like this sell documents that look official, complete with seals and stamps. For employers, a seal or signature proves nothing on its own. The reliable check is to confirm the record directly with the issuing school, university or examination authority, using contact details found independently, not those printed on the certificate.
This News Desk report summarises information published by the sources above, written in our own words. Persons named in criminal matters are accused, not convicted, unless a court has ruled otherwise. To report an error, use our contact page.
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