Nguyen Van Anh, 36, from Hai Phong, is the seventh suspect in a case launched by Lao Cai provincial police on 27/8. He is being investigated for "violating construction regulations causing serious consequences," as per clause 3, article 298 of the Penal Code.

Police initially determined that Van Anh committed violations during the bidding and construction of the stone railing segment. He is accused of using falsified capacity documents to bid for and secure the construction contract.

Van Anh also allegedly signed falsified confirmations in the construction log, quality management records, and acceptance reports. Furthermore, he failed to establish a plan for testing, inspecting, or controlling the quality of materials, products, components, and equipment used in the project. Other discrepancies in the economic-technical report were not disclosed by Van Anh to the investor.

Nguyen Van Anh, director of Anh Huong investment construction and trading company limited (in black shirt). *Photo: Police provided.*

This arrest marks a new development as police broaden their investigation into the structural damage caused by typhoon Yagi in 12/2024.

Among the six individuals previously charged are Dao Minh Khanh, former head of Lao Cai city's urban management department (prior to its merger, later vice chairman of Coc San communal people's committee), and Nguyen Thu Ha, an official from Cam Duong ward people's committee. Both are accused of "lacking responsibility causing serious consequences."

Nguyen Duc Giang, director of Uy Long investment construction joint stock company; Pham Khac Phuong, former deputy head of the old Lao Cai city's investment construction project management board; Vu Tuan Anh, an official from the Lao Cai - Coc San regional investment construction project management board; and Cao Kim Cuong, director of Hung Manh construction consulting joint stock company, are under investigation for "violating construction regulations causing serious consequences."

According to police, following typhoon Yagi in 12/2024, residents reported significant deterioration and unusual damage to stone railings at two major projects in the former Lao Cai city. These projects include the Red River embankment railing along An Duong Vuong street and the railing modification component of the Red River right bank erosion prevention embankment project.

Subsequent investigations revealed that numerous components were not constructed according to technical specifications. The primary elements of the railing system were merely loosely connected with adhesive materials, failing to provide the load-bearing structure required by the design.

Additionally, many stone pillars and protective panels showed signs of corrosion and weathering, compromising the project's quality. Police estimate that these construction violations resulted in damages exceeding 13 billion VND to the state.