Paying the price for illegal fishing.

For short-term gain, Tran Van Tieng (48 years old), residing in Binh An commune, recklessly organized the illegal fishing of 12 fishermen in foreign waters. This act not only put the fishermen in danger but also resulted in the organizer paying a heavy price with a severe sentence.

Defendant Tran Van Tieng at the trial on the morning of March 10. Photo: Ut Chuyen

According to the case file, Tiếng was assigned by the ship owner to operate and manage two fishing vessels in the Thổ Chu sea area, with 12 fishermen employed. Faced with a sharp decline in catch yields, Tiếng conceived the idea of ​​taking the ships to foreign waters to fish. From this initial thought, after much deliberation, the defendant was blinded by short-term gains.

On May 4, 2024, Tiếng was operating two fishing vessels with 12 fishermen who illegally crossed into Thai waters. Upon arriving in the area, both vessels were discovered and seized by Thai authorities. All vessels and fishermen were detained and taken to Thailand for processing according to Thai law. The unexpected incident left the fishermen bewildered, facing the risk of severe penalties, detention in a foreign country, language barriers, and inadequate living conditions.

On June 25, 2025, the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Court (Thailand) brought the case to trial. Tieng was fined 250,000 baht (approximately 208 million VND) for violating fishing rights in Thai waters. Twelve accompanying fishermen were each fined 300,000 baht (approximately 248 million VND) for not having the required work permits. In addition, all the equipment and evidence of the violation were confiscated, causing significant economic damage.

On June 27, 2025, after completing the necessary procedures, Tiếng and the other fishermen were repatriated to Vietnam by the Thai authorities. However, their return did not mean the end of their legal responsibility. Domestic authorities continued to investigate and prosecute the act of organizing illegal emigration. On March 10, 2026, Tiếng was brought to trial. At the trial, when asked about his family circumstances, the defendant broke down in tears: “Since I was arrested, my wife left, leaving my two young children to be cared for by their elderly grandmother. My family is already struggling, we have no land, and our lives depend solely on the precariousness of these fishing trips…” His statement brought a somber atmosphere to the courtroom. At the back of the courtroom, the defendant's mother, Ms. Lý Hồng Sinh, with her frail appearance, silently wiped away tears and said: “Since my son was arrested, I haven't been able to visit him because I don't have the means. I only hope the law will consider leniency so that Tiếng can return home soon to take care of his children.”

The representative of the People's Procuracy stated that the defendant had a good character, no prior criminal record, and was well aware of the legal regulations on immigration. However, for profit, the defendant intentionally organized the illegal exit of others to exploit marine resources, therefore he needed to be severely punished and isolated from society for a certain period of time. After comprehensive consideration, the Trial Panel sentenced Tran Van Tieng to 7 years of imprisonment.

This incident serves as a wake-up call for fishermen in the context of declining fish stocks. Earning a living is legitimate, but all fishing activities must comply with the law, especially regulations related to maritime sovereignty and sustainable fishing practices.

UT CHUYEN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/tra-gia-vi-danh-bat-trai-phep-a480342.html