The Department of Information and Communications in Bac Giang Province, northern Vietnam on Tuesday fined a TikToker VND7.5 million (US$298.5) for uploading a video in which he said “Saigon is an ideal location for crimes” to the short video platform.

The fine was levied on Nguyen Nhat Hai, the owner of the Tiktok account Nhat Hai Biet Tuot, as he was found to have provided incorrect information, slandered or insulted agencies and organizations, and lowered the honor or dignity of individuals.

The Department of Information and Communications in Ho Chi Minh City also confirmed that it had joined hands with the northern province to punish the TikTok influencer.

On March 14, a video titled 'Snatching snacks in Saigon' on the Nhat Hai Biet Tuot channel went viral on TikTok.

It began with the question, “Do you know why people often have their phones, necklaces, bags, even snacks robbed in Saigon?”, which includes the former name of Ho Chi Minh City that is still in popular use now.

The footage depicted a group of youths purportedly pilfering snacks from a grocery store situated in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Local police have yet to reach a definitive conclusion regarding the incident.

The TikTok user claimed that in Saigon, indulgence in alcohol persisted throughout the day and night. He conjectured that due to likely shortages of mangoes and guavas, drinkers resorted to purloining snacks to complement their wine.

Hai contended that while culinary offerings in the northern region were diverse, Saigon seemingly boasted a more limited repertoire, predominantly comprised of mangoes, guavas, and snacks.

Nonetheless, the populace exhibited a propensity for imbibing alcohol until the late hours of the night.

He also said that Saigon had many thieves due to its culture.

In Saigon, people did not care about others, so it was an ideal place for crimes, he claimed.

Following criticism for allegedly fomenting regional discrimination, the video has been removed.

The Nhat Hai Biet Tuot channel, boasting close to 900,000 subscribers and garnering 30.5 million likes, continues to maintain a significant online presence.

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