On 1/8, Lao Cai provincial police announced that the investigative police agency had prosecuted Nguyen, now deputy director of the Sa Pa ward agricultural service center, for negligence causing serious consequences.

On the same day, the police changed the prosecution decision against Trinh Thi Huong, a financial and accounting officer of the former Sa Pa ward People's Committee, from abuse of power to embezzlement of property.

Police serve the decision to prosecute Nguyen Ba Nguyen (second from right). Photo: Police provided

Police serve the decision to prosecute Nguyen Ba Nguyen (second from right). Photo: Police provided

Initial investigations determined that Huong falsified advance payment records and the volume of construction work for a new rural road project in Sa Pa ward. Huong then withdrew a total of 2.7 billion VND from the state budget.

Nguyen Ba Nguyen is accused of negligence and loose management, allowing subordinates to commit the crime.

Police are expanding their investigation into the case.