Picture courtesy of VN Express

 

Two Chinese nationals have been sentenced to jail in Vietnam for using counterfeit currency. The Quang Ninh Province People's Court handed Tong Zhi Jie a five-year sentence and Guo Jun a three-year term for "possessing and circulating counterfeit currency."

 

In August 2024, the pair entered Vietnam through the Mong Cai International Border Gate carrying fake currency notes totalling 18,700 yuan (approximately US$2,600). Their initial plan was to use the counterfeit money at a local hotel casino but were deterred by strict monitoring.

 

Later, they attempted to exchange the fake bills at a nearby drink stall. Tong handed over 3,000 yuan and received VND10.56 million ($400) in return. The stall owner, Siu, soon realised eight of the 30 banknotes were counterfeit and confronted Tong, who reclaimed the fake notes, likely to avoid suspicion.

 

Siu reported the incident to the police, who promptly arrived and searched Tong's belongings. They discovered 165 counterfeit 100 yuan notes, later confirmed by the local police’s criminal technical division. In total, Tong and Guo brought 187 fake yuan notes into Vietnam.

 

During the investigation, Tong claimed he received the counterfeit currency in Malaysia from a friend named Li as payment for software installation work. Believing the money unusable in China, he opted to spend it in Vietnam.

 

This case highlights the stringent measures and vigilance of Vietnam’s legal system in addressing counterfeit currency offences, deterring similar activities in the region.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-06-23

 

 

Hope this gets some media coverage in China to deter others.