Police in Vietnam arrested two people and summoned others for questioning on Friday on suspicion of involvement in the deaths of 39 people whose bodies were found in the back of a truck in Britain last week, authorities said. The investigation would also look at similar incidents that occurred over the last five years, Reuters reported.
Ha Tinh regional police launched a criminal investigation into suspected human trafficking, a statement posted on their website said, after 10 Vietnamese families reported their relatives missing, fearing they were among the 39 victims.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has immediately ordered an investigation into alleged human trafficking activities after British police said at least some of those found dead may have come from Vietnam.
British police, meanwhile, made a direct appeal on November 01 to two brothers from Northern Ireland, to turn themselves in to detectives.
“Today I want to make a direct appeal. Ronan and Christopher, hand yourselves in to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. We need you both to come forward and assist this investigation,” said Detective Chief Inspector Stoten, the officer leading the police inquiry.
Stoten said Ronan Hughes and his brother Christopher are crucial to their inquiries into the discovery of the bodies of 31 men and eight women in the container on an industrial estate in Grays, to the east of London, on Oct 23.
The brothers are wanted on suspicion of manslaughter and human trafficking. Daniel Stoten said they had spoken by telephone to Ronan Hughes recently but they needed to question them in person.
The discovery of the bodies has shone a spotlight on the illicit trade that sends the poor of Asia, Africa and the Middle East on perilous journeys to the West.
Police originally said the victims were believed to be Chinese but Vietnam fears many of the deceased were its citizens. (Source: Bangkok Post/Reuters)