At the beginning of the year, January 1, the decision of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) on the prohibition of emissions and the use of illegal means of payment (including bitcoins and other digital currency) came into force.

SBV added that the violation of the said legal norm could be the basis for prosecution in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of Article 206 of the Criminal Code.

Thus, bitcoin-enthusiasts in Vietnam were at risk of being prosecuted. Moreover, they also risk paying a fine of 150 million to 200 million Dong ($ 8,900) for bitcoin operations.