⏱ 3 min read
Two Canadian nationals, Van Phuong Vu and Johnny Huynh, were busted for smuggling eight Vietnamese nationals into the US via Point Roberts, Washington. The group, including the would-be smugglers, was intercepted at Bellingham Airport last week.
According to authorities, the scheme began early on May 5, 2026, when US Border Patrol received a tip about people crossing the border at Point Roberts, a small enclave accessible only by land through British Columbia, Canada. The group, including the Vietnamese nationals, was seen crossing the border at the beach.
Border Patrol Agents at Bellingham Airport spotted the group exiting a charter flight terminal and walking towards a nearby hotel, where they were intercepted. A second flight with additional travelers, accompanied by Vu, was intercepted soon after. The agents determined that a total of eight Vietnamese nationals had entered the US without authorization.
Federal prosecutors charged Vu, 28, and Huynh, 36, with conspiracy to transport certain aliens for private financial gain. If convicted, they face up to 10 years in prison.
First Assistant US Attorney Charles Neil Floyd commended the US Border Patrol for their quick work in shutting down the smuggling scheme.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Human Trafficking
- Defendant: washington
- Location: WA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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