159 cages of elephant whale with a total weight of 615 kg, which are exhibits in the case of illegal transportation of wildlife products (VIA) from Africa to Vietnam through Hai Phong port, have been destroyed in accordance with the provisions of law.
This is the final step in the process of implementing the judgment that has come into legal effect, concluding the case that has attracted attention for environmental crimes in recent times.
The destruction work was carried out at the Waste Treatment Plant of Hoa Binh High-Tech Environment Joint Stock Company, under the close supervision of representatives of the Civil Judgment Enforcement Agency, the People's Procuracy, the Police, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, and related departments of Hai Phong City.
Regarding this case, previously, on February 2, 2023 and February 3, 2023, the Hai Phong Port Customs force and Hai Phong City Police coordinated with relevant units to inspect two containers with suspicious signs and seized 615 kg of elephant whale mixed with African cow horn.
The unit receiving the above shipment is HMD Technical Joint Stock Company, with Hoang Van Hao as the legal representative.
On July 18, 2024, the People's Court of Hai Phong City sentenced Hoang Van Hao to 10 years in prison for "Violating regulations on the protection of endangered, precious and rare animals" as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 244 of the Penal Code 2015, amended and supplemented in 2017.
This is the first serious sentence in Hai Phong for the act of illegally transporting and trading wild animals from Africa through Vietnam's seaports.
The trial panel also ordered the destruction of all HDV exhibits. At the appeal hearing on November 10, 2024, the High People's Court in Hanoi accepted the appeal and reduced the sentence to 8 years and 6 months in prison.
According to the case file, Hoang Van Hao is the organizer and operator of the transportation ring of many shipments containing elephant worms, rhinoplasty horns, pangolin scales and rare wildlife products that are sophisticatedly disguised in imported containers.
During the investigation, the authorities seized a total of 615 kg of elephant Cave, which was evidence of the case. In addition, a mobile phone is identified as a means of committing a crime that has been confiscated and added to the State budget.
The destruction of exhibits is carried out in accordance with legal regulations, under the close supervision of competent authorities, to ensure that no specimens are taken advantage of or sent to the market.
All samples were destroyed using environmentally friendly methods, limiting the spread of toxic emissions.
