American arrested in Hanoi on $125,000 tax evasion charges

The Hanoi police said Monday they had taken in Stephen Ward Kim for investigation.

According to the police, Kim is the legal representative of Durian Co., Ltd., a wholly foreign-owned company based in the former Ba Vi District, now part of Hanoi's Vat Lai Commune.

The company imports raw materials for processing garments that are then exported under the temporary import–re-export model.

Investigators said Kim misused the duty exemption policy intended for goods imported for export production, reportedly submitting inaccurate customs declarations related to tax-exempt items.

He allegedly evaded payment of more than VND3.2 billion in this manner.