Subjects leaving the trial were postponed in February

Besides Chien, three related accomplices including two grandchildren and Nguyen Mau Chien's wife were released immediately after the trial.

The results of the trial also raised the question of whether the 13-month prison sentence is enough to deter a man who is believed to be leading a large criminal network that killed hundreds of elephants and rhinos in Africa.

Speaking after the hearing, Ms. Bui Thi Ha - Director of ENV Policy and Law Department shared: “It is undeniable that bringing Nguyen Mau Chien to the dock is a breakthrough effort of Vietnam. in the fight against wildlife trafficking. ENV hoped that a proper judgment would be given in the trial, not only punishing the offenders but also contributing to deterring and preventing crimes on wildlife. But very disappointingly, the 13-month prison sentence set out today did not reflect the seriousness of the case as well as the offenders. "

Ms. Ha also added: “ENV will continue to work with the authorities to appeal the verdict issued today. We must ensure the effectiveness and durability of the operation to destroy the wildlife trade network with strict sanctions, create deterrence to criminal acts, and prevent re-entry. as well as alerting the leaders of other criminal networks. "

ENV called on authorities to expand the investigation to prove the confiscation of rhino horns and endangered, precious and rare wildlife exhibits is not merely a small scale violation but a whole network of crimes. sophisticated organized by Nguyen Mau Chien with the participation of his accomplices.

ENV also recommended that the authorities of Thanh Hoa province close down the tiger breeding facilities of Chien subjects and confiscate the tigers that are being kept there. This tiger captive facility has almost been "forgotten" and has not been processed since July 2017. So far, no decision has been made to close the facility until an official court conclusion, as well as DNA test results to prove that two frozen cubs were discovered during the arrest. derived from tiger breeding base of Chien object.

Officially effective from 1/1/2018, the Penal Code 2017 increases the maximum penalty for wildlife crimes from 7 years to 15 years in prison. ENV hopes with the new legal framework and strengthening the investigation and elimination of wildlife trafficking networks, who commit the acts of killing and trading rare and precious animals such as rhinos and elephants to make the image of Vietnam worse. such as Chien will be prosecuted and punished properly.