5 Chinese detained over alleged fake monk scam targeting foreign tourists in Ho Chi Minh City

The case came to light after information circulated on social media about a group of foreigners allegedly posing as Buddhist monks, approaching international visitors, giving them religious items and asking for money, local media reported. 

Foreign tourists allegedly approached for money

The middle-aged men were reportedly seen wearing Buddhist monk robes and walking around streets near Ben Thanh Market, a popular area for international tourists.

One of the men was seen carrying a shoulder bag and a Buddhist alms bowl while wearing prayer beads and other religious-looking items.

He allegedly approached tourists by shaking their hands and then putting his palms together in a gesture of respect. 

Some tourists appeared to respond politely, apparently believing the encounter was related to Asian Buddhist culture.

The man would then allegedly tie a red string around a tourist’s wrist and give them a bracelet.

He would subsequently signal that the tourist should give him money, either by pointing at his pocket or showing the alms bowl, which contained a VND100,000 (US$3.8) banknote.

Some tourists, apparently surprised by the request, gave money simply to end the encounter.

However, when some visitors offered VND5,000 ($0.19) or VND10,000 ($0.38), the man allegedly appeared dissatisfied and repeatedly pointed to the VND100,000 note in the bowl, indicating that he expected a larger amount.

Within less than an hour, he approached dozens of tourists, most of them foreigners.

The men were reportedly seen on several streets around central Ho Chi Minh City, particularly Ly Tu Trong, Le Thanh Ton, Thu Khoa Huan, Truong Dinh, Nguyen Trung Truc, Le Loi and Luu Van Lang, which are frequented by large numbers of international visitors.

Five Chinese nationals questioned

On the evening of August 18, police from Ben Thanh and Binh Phu wards jointly inspected a hotel in Binh Phu Ward after receiving information about the case.

Officers found five Chinese nationals allegedly connected to the case.

Police seized several sets of Buddhist monk robes and religious and souvenir items from their luggage, including prayer beads, bracelets and Buddha pendants.

The five were taken to Ben Thanh police station for questioning as authorities investigated the case.

Rapid drug tests on all five individuals returned negative results.

Ben Thanh police are working with units of the Ho Chi Minh City Police to determine the group’s activities and intentions and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.

Police have urged residents and tourists to remain vigilant about people who may use religious clothing or imagery to approach visitors, sell goods or ask for money in public places.

Residents and tourists are advised not to buy goods or hand over money without clearly understanding why they are being asked to pay and to notify local police if they encounter people apparently exploiting religious attire to solicit, sell goods or engage in activities that could affect public order.

Ho Chi Minh City Police said timely detection and verification of such activities would help maintain a safe, civilized and welcoming tourism environment and protect the city’s image among residents and international visitors.