Men under probe for carrying coffin in front of Ben Thanh Market for advertisement

A 30-second video circulating on social media over the weekend shows the group - four men dressed in black with their heads covered and wearing masks - carrying the coffin with white writing on it while walking in circles in front of Ben Thanh Market in District 1.

The group also walked in the motorcycle lane, violating traffic regulations.

A representative from the People's Committee of District 1 confirmed that after initial verification, it was found that the group was promoting a clothing shop's website.

Police on Monday arrested Ho Ngoc Tuan, 25, who directed the filming and posted the video online, and eight other people involved to investigate them for disturbing public order.

According to the head of the Ben Thanh traffic police team, the video reveals that the group violated traffic laws by walking in the wrong lane and crossing the road without signaling.

Lawyer Tran Van Gioi from the HCMC Bar Association said the group's act could be a violation of a government decree regarding advertising that affects public order, traffic safety, and social security. The violators could face fines of VND10-20 million (US$390-780). Additionally, the infringing advertisement must be removed from social media platforms.

Ben Thanh Market, covering more than 13,000 square meters and built in 1912, is one of HCMC's most iconic landmarks. The area in front of the market serves as a public square, transportation hub, and metro station, attracting both locals and tourists for sightseeing and leisure.