Abstract
While implementing economic and political reforms to develop society and the economy since 1986, Vietnam has faced serious challenges to national security and social order associated with the complexities of transnational crimes (e.g., illegal drugs, human trafficking, green crimes and high-tech crimes). Additionally, as an uncharted territory in the field of criminology and policing, overall assessment of these crimes in Vietnam is still absent. Lack of knowledge and background on transnational crimes in Vietnam is considered one of the barriers to full understanding of the nature of cross-border criminals in comparison to other South-East Asian countries. This study analyses specific characteristics and modus operandi of transnational crimes in Vietnam by examining these particularly severe crimes. Findings show there are sophisticated cunning associated with flexible activities to avoid law enforcement monitors. Findings call for further research to inform policymakers and scholars.
Highlights
Rapid integration in South-East Asia has created new economic, social and developmental opportunities, but has posed significant security challenges underpinned by transnational crimes
Excluding criminologists who have been granted international or government scholarships at Western institutions to research their doctoral topics—such as wildlife trafficking (Tuan 2010), human trafficking (Hoang 2017; Nhien 2016; Phuong 2013), timber trafficking (Anh 2016) and drug trafficking (Luong 2017b)—there are limited studies in Vietnam that focus on transnational organised crimes (TOC)-related topics
The main aims of this study are to: 1) briefly identify trends of TOCs in Vietnam; 2) compare these trends in Vietnam’s context with other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN);4 3) share recommendations with policymakers to assess the nature of possible threats from these TOCs; and 4) call for further research for policymakers and scholars to address the gap in the literature and highlight practical cases in this field in Vietnam
Summary
Rapid integration in South-East Asia has created new economic, social and developmental opportunities, but has posed significant security challenges underpinned by transnational crimes. Some of the largest and most dangerous criminal organisations operating in the region are Chinese triads and the Japanese yakuza; smaller networks have flourished in most regional states and established TOC activities (Broadhurst and Vy 2013) These groups have capitalised on officials’ and politicians’ corruption, and weak governmental institutions and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to broaden their actions and increase their profits (Paoli et al 2009; Williams 2013; Acharya 2014). This undermines new democracies and developing countries in South-East Asia, including Vietnam. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Master Plan and the Belt and Road Initiative of China will create borderless regions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
