Ca Mau provincial police recently announced the suspension of the investigation into Tran Van Tam, former Principal of Tam Giang Tay Secondary School. Tam, who was previously sentenced to 7 years in prison for property embezzlement, has had his case halted after authorities concluded he no longer poses a danger to society.

Tran Van Tam when he was released on bail. Photo: Chuc Ly

Investigators decided to suspend the case and the probe against Tam based on several factors. They noted that the amount he misappropriated was not substantial, and he voluntarily returned all the funds, including amounts spent irregularly. Additionally, the items he purchased and produced were for the school's benefit, with their actual value exceeding the expenditure.

Tam is recognized for his good character and many years of dedicated service to the education sector, having received numerous commendations. Given these circumstances, authorities deemed him no longer a threat to society.

The investigation initially found that during his tenure, Tam identified a shortage of teaching equipment at the school. He then, on behalf of the Pedagogical Council, authorized the purchase of additional items. However, he allegedly misused his position by obtaining three fictitious invoices from two businesses and one invoice from a private company, with values inflated beyond the actual cost of materials.

Using these invoices, Tam approved payments exceeding 13 million dong from the school's 2022 tuition fees and 2023 recurring funds. Of this, he was accused of misappropriating over 6,1 million dong and making irregular payments totaling nearly 6,9 million dong. These actions were deemed to constitute property embezzlement under Clause 1, Article 353 of the Penal Code.

Some items made by Tran Van Tam are currently in use at the school. Photo: Minh Minh

According to case files, Tam was appointed Principal of Tam Giang Tay Secondary School in 7/2022. During the 2022-2023 school year, he observed the school's need for more teaching equipment. Following a meeting with the Pedagogical Council, it was decided to acquire additional tools.

Utilizing his welding skills, Tam opted to purchase raw materials and fabricate items like file shelves and TV stands himself, hiring assistance for the manufacturing process. These items were subsequently used at the school. To legitimize the payment procedures, he sought fictitious invoices from external businesses due to the absence of proper input invoices and purchase contracts.

On 17/2/2025, the first-instance court ruled that the actual cost of materials and labor was less than the invoiced amount. The 10,7 million dong difference was identified as embezzlement. Tam was sentenced to 7 years in prison, banned from his position for two years post-sentence, and ordered to return over 10,7 million dong to the state.

Tam appealed the decision. On 6/5/2025, the Ca Mau Provincial People's Court heard the appeal, overturning the initial verdict and mandating a reinvestigation.

Subsequently, on 16/8/2025, the Chief Procurator of Region 5 People's Procuracy, under Ca Mau Provincial People's Procuracy, modified the preventive measure, granting Tam bail in place of temporary detention, a status he maintains to date.

An Minh