Multiple individuals prosecuted for smuggling of “Laughing Gas”

Some exhibits were seized by authorities. Photo: Ministry of Public Security.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, the Economic Police Division of Hanoi Police uncovered signs of legal violations by Nguyen Tuan Linh (born in 1987, residing in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi) and his accomplices in the import and trading of N₂O. These activities were conducted through DCMC Vietnam Trading Co., Ltd. (referred to as DCMC Company), located in Phu Do Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi.

On November 7, 2024, Hanoi Police, in coordination with specialized units of the Ministry of Public Security, simultaneously summoned 26 individuals and conducted urgent searches at eight locations. These actions led to the seizure of numerous documents and items, including 129.3 tons of N₂O raw materials, 14 systems for gas bottling, 2 gas pumps, 610 kg of N₂O capsules, 71,668 finished gas cylinders, 6,586 empty gas cylinders, 50 kg of balloon casings, VND 23.17 billion in cash, and US$ 9,300 related to the criminal activities.

Though the investigation, it revealed that between 2019 and November 6, 2024, DCMC Company filed 364 import declarations, bringing in 7,338 tons of N₂O, valued at US$ 5,282,814 (approximately VND 126.8 billion).

The company declared the imported N₂O as a food additive. Once imported, the gas was transported to warehouses owned by Tam Moc Company in Hung Yen Province or DCMC’s warehouse in Bac Ninh Province.

Police forces work with suspects in the case. Photo: Ministry of Public Security.

DCMC primarily sold the imported N₂O to such companies: Royal Gas Co., Ltd. (later renamed Song Bien Clean Food Co., Ltd., located in Hai Phong), and Tan Loc Trading and Import-Export Co., Ltd. in Ho Chi Minh City.

DCMC sold N₂O at prices ranging from VND 60,000 to VND 130,000 per kilogram, but the contracts recorded sales prices of only VND 20,000 to VND 30,000 per kilogram, issuing partial invoices to conceal revenue.

After purchasing N₂O from DCMC, Royal Gas and Tan Loc companies rebottled and distributed the gas to private clients for use in nightclubs, bars, pubs, and karaoke venues, catering to recreational purposes involving “laughing balloons” favored by young people.

The investigation determined that between 2022 and the present, DCMC imported approximately 6,190 tons of N₂O worth VND 108.3 billion, ostensibly for food production. However, only a small portion was used for its declared purpose. The company sold over 4,327 tons (more than 70% of the total imports) to Royal Gas and Tan Loc companies.

DCMC also falsified invoices for transactions with unrelated private clients and sold some of the remaining N₂O to foreign companies.

While Royal Gas and Tan Loc reportedly paid DCMC around VND 260 billion, DCMC only declared taxes on approximately VND 115.13 billion, leaving the remaining amount unaccounted for and untaxed.

It is estimated that the scheme caused VND 23.73 billion in damages to the state over the two years from 2022 to 2023.

On November 19, 2024, the Hanoi Police issued a decision to prosecute Nguyen Tuan Linh and two other individuals on charges of Smuggling and Violating Accounting Regulations with Serious Consequences. Additionally, two individuals were charged with Violating Accounting Regulations with Serious Consequences, and one individual was charged with Smuggling.

The People's Procuracy of Hanoi has approved these prosecution decisions. The case is currently under further investigation, with Hanoi Police working to expand the scope and ensure that those involved are strictly dealt with in accordance with the law.