The Thanh Hoa Provincial Police Investigation Agency has concluded its investigation, recommending the prosecution of 22 defendants for charges including: violating regulations on asset auction activities, tax evasion, abusing positions and power while performing official duties, and illegal invoice trading.
Among the accused are several individuals who held important positions in Thanh Hoa, such as Nguyen Van Thi (former Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee); Tran Anh Chung (former Chairman of Thanh Hoa City People's Committee, former Director of the Department of Industry and Trade); Le Mai Khanh (former Vice Chairman of Thanh Hoa City People's Committee); and Le Anh Xuan (former Secretary of the Thanh Hoa City Party Committee).
Cao Tien Doan (known as Bau Doan), Director of Dong A Real Estate Group Co., Ltd., is recommended for prosecution on two charges: violating regulations on asset auction activities, under Clause 2, Article 218 of the Penal Code, and tax evasion, under Clause 3, Article 200.
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Cao Tien Doan before his arrest. Photo: Lam Son |
According to the investigation conclusion, the case originated from Doan's involvement in taking over the Thanh Hoa Football Club amidst the team's financial difficulties.
With the policy of supporting the football team, the group of defendants, who were provincial officials, established mechanisms that created preferential conditions for Dong A Company to acquire resources through real estate projects. The Quang Thanh residential area project, in particular, was thoroughly investigated in this case.
After several proposals and appeals, Dong A Company won the auction for land use rights for the project at a price of 255 billion VND on 17/7/2024.
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The Quang Thanh residential area project implemented by Dong A Company. Photo: Lam Son |
After winning the auction, Doan is accused of directing the sale of 189 out of a total of 213 lots, totaling 446 billion VND, despite not yet meeting the conditions for land sales. The project's auction process is determined to have caused state budget losses exceeding 7,2 billion VND.
Investigators believe that the project's implementation involved numerous individuals in various roles, from carrying out procedures and determining prices to organizing and participating in the auction, thereby facilitating Dong A Company in achieving its objectives.
Regarding the tax evasion of over 15 billion VND in the Hac riverside residential project, the investigation agency accuses Doan of responsibility for directing revenue management, bookkeeping, and tax declarations at Dong A Company.
Lam Son
