Three South Korean men, including a leader of the South Korean Association in central Vietnam, have been indicted and arrested for arranging the illegal entry of their compatriots into the Southeast Asian country, Da Nang police said on Friday.

The indicted men include Lee Kwan Young, 53, vice-president of the South Korean Association in the central Vietnamese region, Seo Young Jin, 48, director of Han in Hue Co. Ltd., and Song Hong Sub, the 49-year-old owner of Khan Vina Co. Ltd.

All of them dwell in Da Nang.

Lee and Seo organized a demand survey, received visa applications from enterprises, and arranged the entire illegal immigration of South Korean nationals from Incheon International Airport in South Korea to Da Nang International Airport in Vietnam.

Song, meanwhile, promoted the illegal service and looked for customers on the Internet.

They had directors of a number of local companies -- such as Kuvarose, The Es, and Phuc Travel Newlife -- sign and stamp endorsement papers to help a number of South Korean citizens make entry into Vietnam under the guise of experts.

Vietnam began denying entrance to foreign nationals in March 2020 and currently only allows arrivals who are diplomats, investors, experts, skilled workers, and business managers. 

They are required to present certificates proving their negative test results within three days before their flights and comply with Vietnam’s coronavirus quarantine rules upon arrival.

Taking advantage of this regulation, Lee, Seo, and Song successfully organized the illegal entry for four times on December 11, 2020 and January 23, February 26, and March 26, 2021.

Police in Da Nang also searched the houses of the three indicted men on Friday.

They have continued to expand their investigation to clarify the responsibilities of relevant individuals and organizations.

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