An HCM City customs officer inspects goods. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI - In the first nine months, the General Department of Việt Nam Customs detected and handled 12,949 cases of smuggling, trade fraud and illegal transportation of goods.

The total value of the confiscated goods is estimated at VNĐ23.7 trillion (nearly US$956 million)

Twenty one cases have been prosecuted and 128 others have been transferred to relevant authorities with recommendations for prosecution. The total amount of money collected for the State budget from anti-smuggling operations reached VNĐ522.58 billion.

Customs authorities have identified various smuggling methods, including concealing goods in checked baggage, making false declarations, document forgery and using express delivery services. Violators also exploited e-commerce platforms and social media to sell counterfeit and low-quality goods.

A prime example is the case in Hải Phòng City in May, where custom officers found that a company had falsely declared an export shipment of red beans, which in reality contained scrap steel.

Additionally, customs authorities uncovered and prevented numerous drug trafficking incidents.

To counter the increasingly sophisticated smuggling and trade fraud operations, the Ministry of Finance's Steering Committee 389 directed the General Department of Customs, the General Department of Taxation and other relevant agencies to intensify their efforts in combating smuggling and trade fraud.

One key approach involves gathering information, closely monitoring key areas and applying professional measures in customs inspections and controls to prevent and strictly handle violations.

The customs sector has also strengthened cooperation with other forces, including the police, border guards, market management and banks, to develop strategies for investigating and preventing smuggling.

Moreover, they are collaborating with foreign customs agencies to exchange information and enhance operational measures to curb cross-border smuggling and trade fraud.

Economist Nguyễn Minh Phong predicts that smuggling and trade fraud activities could become more complex in the remaining months of the year due to increased consumer demand.

Therefore, close coordination among functional forces is crucial to minimising violations.