Four Vietnamese companies could lose five containers of spices and cashew worth US$517,000 they shipped to Dubai under what seem mysterious circumstances.
According to the Vietnam Pepper Association, they had sold pepper, cashew, cinnamon, and anise to Bab Al Rehab Foodstuff Trading Llc.
But four of the containers have been claimed by unidentified parties at Jebel Ali Dubai Port without paying the Vietnamese companies.
The export was done under the documents against payment method, which requires the buyer to show proof of payment before collecting the goods.
The documents had been sent by banks in Vietnam to UAE’s Ajman Bank, which confirmed receipt.
But apparently it no longer has them, and has yet to explain why, the exporters said.
They are concerned the remaining container, set to land on July 26, will also be misappropriated.
They have repeatedly asked the buyer to make payments, but the company has yet to respond.
The Vietnam Pepper Association, representing the four companies, has reported to Vietnamese authorities and the UAE embassy in Vietnam.
The Vietnam Trade Office is working with Ajman Bank, Jebel Ali Dubai port and the Dubai police to investigate possible fraud.