On the afternoon of 30/5, at his home and restaurant in Phan Ngoc Hien commune, Tran Van Tam, 55, former principal of Tam Giang Tay Secondary School, said he was still emotional after receiving the decision to suspend the investigation against him.

Two days prior, while playing sports near his home, he received a call from his wife informing him that investigators had summoned him for a meeting. Unaware of the meeting's agenda, the next morning, the couple rode a motorbike over 80 km to the police headquarters.

He recounted that upon receiving the decision to suspend the investigation, he was overcome with emotion, rendering him speechless. It took a moment for him to calmly reread the entire file. "I thought it was a dream. It felt like a heavy burden had been lifted after a long time," he said.

That evening, his phone continuously rang with calls from colleagues, students, friends, and acquaintances from various localities. Many who had followed the case also called to inquire and offer encouragement after hearing the news.

Tran Van Tam, still emotional, recalls the moment he received the decision to suspend the investigation. *Photo: Chuc Ly*

From a 7-year prison sentence to a suspended investigation

According to the case file, in 7/2022, Mr. Tam was appointed principal of Tam Giang Tay Secondary School, in the former Ngoc Hien district, now part of Tan An commune, Ca Mau province.

For the 2022-2023 academic year, noticing a lack of teaching equipment, he convened a meeting with the pedagogical council. He then purchased materials, personally welded, and hired additional labor to fabricate items such as file cabinets and tivi stands for school use.

Lacking proper input invoices and sales contracts, he contacted several businesses to acquire fictitious invoices to legitimize the payment procedures.

During the initial trial in 2, the court determined that the actual costs for materials and labor were lower than the amount paid according to the invoices; the discrepancy of approximately 10,7 million dong was identified as embezzled funds.

Mr. Tam was sentenced to 7 years in prison, prohibited from holding a position for two years after completing his sentence, and ordered to repay over 10,7 million dong. Subsequently, he appealed.

On 6/5, the Ca Mau Provincial People's Court heard the appeal, overturning the entire initial verdict for reinvestigation. Three months later, his temporary detention was replaced with bail.

According to the latest investigation conclusions from the Ca Mau Provincial Police, Mr. Tam exploited his position during the procurement of school equipment, used irregular invoices, and settled over 13 million dong from school funds.

Investigators determined he misappropriated over 6,1 million dong and made irregular payments totaling nearly 6,9 million dong.

Authorities concluded his actions constituted embezzlement. However, due to the modest amount, the defendant voluntarily rectified all consequences; the purchased and fabricated products served school activities and had a higher actual value than the money spent.

Furthermore, he had a strong work record, good character, and no longer posed a danger to society, leading to the suspension of the case and the investigation against him.

Former principal Tran Van Tam discusses lessons in management. *Clip: Chuc Ly*

'Sometimes I looked back at myself'

Mr. Tam stated that the period since his temporary detention in 8/2024 has significantly altered his perspectives.

"I had a lot of time to reflect on everything, to look back at myself," he said.

According to him, the decision to purchase materials and hire labor for equipment fabrication stemmed from a desire to save school funds and create better quality products for teaching.

However, he admitted that he was negligent in handling financial procedures, failing to fully comply with regulations regarding documents and invoices, which led to the violations.

He explained that the surplus of over 6,1 million dong from purchasing materials and hiring artisans for equipment was later used for general school activities. However, the expenditure of this amount was not fully documented or approved through official meetings as required.

"I admit I violated principles. This is a very costly lesson for me and a reminder for those in management positions," he said.

Tran Van Tam now dedicates his time to managing his family's cultural enrichment center. *Photo: Chuc Ly*

Over the past nearly two years, his greatest concern was not his job or position, but his family, especially his two sons.

He stated that he always encouraged his children to look forward and view challenges as opportunities to overcome. His eldest son has now graduated with a degree in automation technology and works in TP HCM, while his youngest is in his final year studying restaurant management.

During the months he was out on bail, he primarily helped his wife manage their restaurant, repaired household items, and assisted with work at the family's cultural enrichment center, which is preparing for enrollment.

After over 32 years in education, he said he still holds deep affection for teaching. However, whether he will continue to teach will depend on regulations and guidance from authorities.

"What happened is a part of life. I see it as a lesson to live more cautiously and to continue striving in the journey ahead," he said.

Chuc Ly