Ho Chi Minh City police vow to prevent city from becoming hideout for foreign criminals

Ho Chi Minh City police have recently conducted simultaneous inspections of accommodation facilities and businesses associated with foreign nationals across the city as part of a 45-day enforcement campaign.

During the crackdown, the municipal police initiated legal proceedings in eight cases and charged 26 suspects for allegedly organizing or facilitating the illegal stay of foreigners in Vietnam.

Among the suspects were nine foreign nationals, six owners, managers or employees of accommodation facilities, and seven intermediaries involved in arranging accommodation for foreigners.

City police urged hotels, guesthouses, rental apartments, and individuals providing accommodation services to strictly comply with regulations governing residence management, particularly those related to foreign nationals.

Authorities called on accommodation providers to thoroughly verify identification documents and fully comply with temporary residence registration and declaration requirements.

They warned businesses not to neglect management responsibilities or knowingly accommodate foreigners who have entered or remained in Vietnam illegally for financial gain.

Police emphasized that any act of assisting or facilitating the unlawful stay of foreigners in Vietnam could result in criminal prosecution and severe penalties under Vietnamese law.

Accommodation providers were also advised to promptly report suspicious cases or signs of violations to police so that authorities could coordinate inspections and enforcement measures to maintain public security and order.

According to police officers, strict compliance with accommodation registration and management regulations is not only a legal obligation but also an important measure to prevent foreign-linked crimes, particularly cybercrime and transnational fraud, at an early stage.

Ho Chi Minh City police said they would continue to conduct comprehensive inspections and strengthen management of foreigners residing and working in the city, while proactively identifying risks and conditions that could lead to crimes or legal violations involving foreign elements.

Authorities pledged to deal strictly with illegal entry, residence and employment, organizing the illegal stay of others in Vietnam, and the use of the city as a base for criminal activities.

Particular attention will be given to combating cybercrime, transnational fraud, gambling offenses, drug crimes, human trafficking, and organized criminal networks.

Police also pledged strict action against organizations, individuals, businesses, and accommodation providers that relax oversight or facilitate violations involving foreign nationals for profit.

Officials stressed that no organization or individual would be allowed to exploit Vietnam’s international integration policies, investment environment, tourism sector, or Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic development to establish criminal gangs or transnational fraud operations.

Police said they remain committed to a strategy of proactive prevention, early detection, and uncompromising enforcement, with no exemptions or prohibited areas.

They reaffirmed their determination to maintain public security and social order, protect residents, foster a safe and healthy business environment, and ensure that Ho Chi Minh City does not become a transit point, refuge, or operational base for foreign-linked criminal activities in any form.