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Vietnam: Authorities arrest currency-replacement rumor makers in Vietnam
The General Department of Security under the Ministry of Public Affairs announced Thursday that two men have been identified and summoned for spreading false rumors that Vietnam would soon be replacing its existing currency.
One of the rumor makers is based in the Central Highlands of Lam Dong, and the other resides in the southern province of Dong Nai, according to officers.
The men sparked concern and public fear earlier this month with the unfounded rumors, prompting the government and the State Bank of Vietnam to repeatedly deny the false information and provide reassurance to worried citizens.
Officers said both men confessed their role in the scandal, though their purpose and motivation has yet to be identified.
According to newswire VnExpress, the two were hired to administrate a website allegedly founded by a U.S.-based employer in September. The suspects said they were asked to fabricate stories related to currency replacement on the website with a call-to-action suggesting that citizens safeguard their money by buying gold and USD.
Despite being totally unfounded, the posts attracted many views and shares on Facebook.
VnExpress said the rumor mill aimed to destabilize Vietnam’s eco-social situation.
Whispers of currency replacement did indeed spark small-scale bank runs in several localities, alongside a rush to trade domestic dong for gold and foreign currency.
The Vietnamese gold and dollar markets have also been affected by the groundless information.
Source: http://tuoitrenews.vn/business/38570/authorities-arrest-currencyreplacing-rumor-makers-in-vietnam