Chinese fugitive caught in Vietnam after assuming identity of another wanted man

By Pham Du November 19, 2024 | 06:56 pm PT

Zhang Li (4th, L), a wanted criminal hiding in Vietnam, is handed over to Chinese authorities, in November 2024. Photo by police

A Chinese fugitive evading capture in Vietnam has been apprehended after authorities discovered he was using the identity of another Chinese national who was also wanted by the police.

The Immigration Department under Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security announced on Tuesday that Tang Yiyun, who was on the run from Chinese authorities, assumed the identity of Zhang Li, another fugitive, to avoid detection while hiding in Vietnam.

Both Zhang and Tang are wanted criminals in China.

After being detained, Zhang was handed over to Chinese authorities. However, Tang, who lacked a passport and valid legal documents, has been transferred to the Binh Duong Provincial Police for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Police are still investigating the reasons behind Tang's use of Zhang's identity.

Tang admitted to illegally entering Vietnam in 2022 and marrying a Vietnamese woman to secure a visa exemption for long-term residence. While in Vietnam, he used Zhang's passport information to register for temporary residence.

Immigration police conducted an inspection and discovered Tang's true identity on Nov. 9 while he was residing in Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong Province, near Ho Chi Minh City.

Shortly after, Zhang was also apprehended at an apartment in the Empire complex in Thu Thiem Ward, Thu Duc City, HCMC.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the case.