“Investigations and reports by the wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC and other conservation bodies have revealed disturbing evidence of organised crime in South Africa, including the frequent involvement of transnational Vietnamese syndicates in wildlife trafficking.”

“As of early 2026, investigations show that these networks have shifted from small-scale trafficking to smuggling large volumes of wildlife products, including rhino horns and lion bones.”

“Two Vietnamese nationals recently ended up in the dank holding cells of South Africa’s justice system, facing charges that could unravel not just a criminal syndicate but an entire web of transnational corruption, wildlife devastation and diplomatic impunity.”

“The case was remanded until 8 June 2026.”

“Khoa (44), aka Michael Chu, is described as a 'diamond tycoon' and scion of a wealthy family involved in the oil and petroleum business. Allegedly a high-level actor in the illicit wildlife trade, he is reportedly a hands-on organiser, director and financier of syndicates that traffic rare, endangered wildlife.”

“Tran (52), also known as Ben Tran, allegedly Chu’s go-to man on the ground, director of African operations and main enforcer.”

“They were arrested in late February and early March by the Hawks, not only for orchestrating one of the most sinister rhino horn trafficking operations in recent memory, but also for staging an armed robbery that backfired spectacularly while attempting to mask the 'disappearance' of 98 rhino horns from the authorities.”

“Twenty of the 'missing' horns that were shipped by the syndicate from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, together with 150kg of suspected tiger bone carcasses, skulls and claws, were seized by the authorities on 8 November at Singapore’s Changi International Airport, 30 days before the syndicate submitted the false robbery report.”

“A second shipment of 17 horns and 26kg of predator body parts that originated in South Africa and consigned to Vientiane, Laos, was also discovered and detained at Changi.”

“The contraband was secretly rerouted back to the senders via a controlled delivery to Johannesburg, where members of the Hawks’ Endangered Species Section and Border Management Authority nabbed Nigerians Tunji Olanrewaju Koyi (35) and Koyode Adukunle Ongundele (43), now accused 1 and 2. The illicit cargo was recovered in the process, and has since been held as evidence.”

“In December 2006, Chu was found with four rhino horns on his property in Newton Park, Port Elizabeth. He had no permits for two of the horns. He was subsequently charged and found guilty of illegal possession. He was sentenced to a fine of R40,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment and deportation from South Africa. It appears his deportation was never effected”

“A new passport issued to him by the Vietnamese embassy in Pretoria in 2007, allegedly while on bail on separate immigration charges in the Port Elizabeth matter.”

“The Vietnamese Embassy told Daily Maverick it 'objects to the vague remarks, expressions, or assumptions regarding its issuance of passports to Vietnamese citizens'.”

“The SIU briefing on Home Affairs corruption is a factual event.”

“Tran's alleged travel using different identities and previous convictions is a claim.”

“The SIU's statement about the immigration system being a marketplace is a claim.”