A total of 1,078 diamonds have been seized by airport police at Ho Chi Minh’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) from two separate smuggling incidents.
The first incident took place on October 23, 2024 when a passenger who entered Ho Chi Minh City from India was found with 716 natural and synthetic diamonds hidden in a wallet and mixed amongst clothes and personal belongings.
This was discovered by airport authorities through an X-ray screening of the passenger’s luggage. According to local news outlet Vietnam News, the passenger admitted that the diamonds were transported to Vietnam to be delivered to customers and that he avoided declaration of the items.
The second incident occurred just two days later on October 25, 2024. A passenger who flew from Hong Kong and entered Ho Chi Minh Airport was found with 362 diamonds concealed in candy boxes.
The passengers, who were both Indian nationals, have been transferred to the Economic Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City for further investigation.
It is believed that the incidents are part of an illegal diamond smuggling operation through Tan Son Nhat International Airport, where the gemstones, when successfully smuggled, are distributed among shops in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam is one of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region that has a large rising middle class population with spending power. A September 2024 report by the Vietnam Investment Review revealed that Vietnam is emerging as a key market for luxury brands.
A diamond market outlook report on Vietnam by 6W Research shows that the diamond market in the country has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer affluence, a growing middle class, and a rising interest in luxury goods.
Diamonds, traditionally associated with engagement rings and special occasions, have become increasingly popular among Vietnamese consumers as symbols of status and prosperity, the outlook said.