Southern Vietnamese police warn of human trafficking disguised as foreign marriage brokerage

According to Can Tho police, an investigation into a human trafficking case in the city has revealed the methods used by traffickers to lure women to China under the guise of marriage.

The perpetrators typically target financially disadvantaged families, approaching them through personal connections. Notably, those who introduce and persuade the families are often acquaintances or even close associates.

After gaining their trust, the brokers promise to help their daughters marry foreigners and enjoy a more prosperous life abroad.

Families are also promised financial assistance of up to hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong if they agree to let their daughters marry foreigners.

To conceal the true nature of the human trafficking operation, the brokers do not disclose to the victims' families the financial agreements made with their counterparts overseas. Instead, they frame the money given to the families as goodwill financial support for agreeing to the marriage.

Initial investigation records show that in one case, members of the trafficking network agreed to transfer a victim to overseas contacts for over VND500 million (US$19,200), while the family received only a small fraction of that amount. The remaining funds were divided among ring members.

Worryingly, families often realize something is wrong only after their daughters travel abroad, communication is cut off, or unusual signs emerge. However, not all families recognize that their relatives have become victims of human trafficking.

Can Tho police have urged the public to be cautious when receiving offers of foreign marriage accompanied by financial incentives, even when the individuals making the introductions are relatives or acquaintances.

People should verify information about prospective spouses and the legality of marriage procedures, and report any suspicious activity immediately to local authorities.