A 31-year-old British tourist has been sentenced to 14 months in prison by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court for stealing a bottle of perfume worth VND 5.1 million (US$196) from a duty-free store at Tan Son Nhat International Airport—an incident that has drawn renewed attention to the issue of foreign visitors committing crimes in Vietnam.
According to the court proceedings last week, Ryan James George arrived in Vietnam on May 6, 2024, as part of a regional Southeast Asia trip. On May 17, he was scheduled to fly to Phuket, Thailand, but instead ended up in police custody after stealing a 100 ml bottle of perfume from a duty-free store at the airport.
Reports from Cong Ly and Thanh Nien newspapers reveal that George took advantage of a moment when the shop staff were assisting another customer. He slipped the item into his bag and walked out of the store unnoticed. However, a vigilant staff member quickly noticed the missing item and followed him to the boarding gate. When confronted, George produced the stolen item and handed it back, but it was too late—he had already been reported to airport security, who then turned him over to Tan Binh District police.
George admitted to the crime during questioning and at trial, leading to a swift conviction for theft under Vietnamese criminal law.
A Rising Trend: Foreigners Caught Breaking the Law in Vietnam
While Vietnam continues to welcome millions of foreign tourists each year, incidents involving criminal behavior by visitors have been on the rise—prompting concern from authorities and citizens alike. Cases have ranged from petty theft and fraud to more serious offenses such as drug trafficking and property crimes.
In recent months:
- Three Indian nationals were placed under investigation in Hanoi for alleged involvement in a string of thefts at high-end hotels.
- A group of South Korean and Chinese nationals were arrested in Da Nang for operating an illegal online gambling ring.
- In Ho Chi Minh City, several tourists from Eastern Europe have been linked to sophisticated credit card fraud targeting ATMs.
Vietnamese law enforcement agencies have stepped up surveillance and security, particularly at airports and major tourist hubs, as part of a broader effort to protect public safety and maintain the country’s image as a safe destination.
Legal Consequences for Foreigners in Vietnam
Foreign nationals convicted of crimes in Vietnam face the same legal procedures and sentencing guidelines as Vietnamese citizens, with penalties ranging from fines and deportation to imprisonment depending on the severity of the offense. In cases involving theft, even low-value items can lead to custodial sentences—particularly when crimes occur in public spaces or transport hubs like airports.
Vietnam’s judicial system is known for moving swiftly in such cases, as illustrated by George’s conviction and sentencing within a year of the offense. Following the completion of his prison term, he is expected to be deported and barred from re-entering the country.
A Reminder for Tourists
As Vietnam continues to grow as a top destination in Southeast Asia, tourists are reminded to respect local laws and customs, and understand that even minor infractions can carry serious consequences.
“Vietnam is an incredibly welcoming country,” said a representative from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. “But we have zero tolerance for any actions that jeopardize safety or tarnish the hospitality we are known for.”
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Source: Vietnam Insider