On 24/8, Long and two subordinates, Nguyen Tuan Ngoc, head of student affairs, and Nguyen Van Sang, a specialist in student affairs, faced trial at the Hanoi People's Court. They are charged with abusing their positions and power while performing official duties.

The court summoned school representatives and 984 students, but only about 200 students were present that morning.

Long (center) and two officials from Hanoi Tourism College at the school. Photo: Danh Lam

According to the investigation, in November, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism approved an expenditure of over 1.9 billion VND for 984 students from the college participating in A80. After receiving the decision, Ngoc instructed Sang to complete the necessary documentation for settlement.

On the payment documents, Sang left the amount received blank, not indicating the specific sum. After students signed, Sang filled in the amounts based on the expenses for training sessions.

Sang submitted this list to the school's accounting and finance department for a total settlement of over 1.9 billion VND, implying each student received 1.96 million VND.

Before distributing allowances to students, Sang reported to Ngoc a proposed expenditure of over 924 million VND for 984 students, equivalent to 940,000 VND per person. Additionally, over 800 million VND was allocated for student meals during training days, or 440,000 VND per person. The remaining balance was over 202 million VND, approximately 580,000 VND per person.

Ngoc reported this spending plan to Principal Long, who approved it. Long then instructed that the remaining over 202 million VND be retained for later distribution among school staff.

Police determined that Long, Ngoc, and Sang conspired to abuse their positions and power while tasked with distributing allowances to students participating in the A80 event. This action caused widespread resentment among students and the public, severely damaging the educational institution's image and reputation.

Previously, many Hanoi Tourism College students expressed frustration because they received only 940,000 VND for A80 grand ceremony training, while students from other schools received 1,6-2,2 million VND. During a dialogue, however, Long claimed it was merely an "oversight" caused by student misunderstanding.

The trial is ongoing.

Thanh Lam