On November 6, Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 Police fined and, in collaboration with the Immigration Department, issued deportation orders for Portron Malo Pierre Bernard, 36, and Da Cruz Kevin, 33. The two were apprehended on October 2 at 11:40 p.m. while spray-painting graffiti on a structure on Nguyen Trai Street, Ben Thanh Ward. Officers seized approximately 20 spray paint cans and brushes from the men, who, at the time of the incident, failed to present their passports and were taken to Ben Thanh Police Station for questioning.
The men admitted to entering Vietnam together, purchasing spray paint and brushes, and planned to create graffiti on public areas, including parks, roll-down shutters, and metal fences. Following directives from city police leadership, District 1 authorities enforced strict measures as a deterrent.
As a result, each individual was fined VND 12.9 million (around $520 USD) for “foreigners traveling in Vietnam without carrying passports” and for “engaging in activities in Vietnam without authorized permission.” They were also ordered to repaint the defaced building wall.
Previously, in July, District 1 Police deported two men—one from New Zealand and another from France—found spray-painting a building’s roll-down shutters on Pho Duc Chinh Street.
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Source: Vietnam Insider