On 18/4, Dong Nai Police initiated legal proceedings and temporarily detained Phan Van Loi and Pham Trong Nghia, both 40, on charges of causing environmental pollution. The People's Procuracy of the same level approved these decisions.

Police officers read the indictment to Loi. Photo: Thai Ha

Investigations revealed that in 10/2024, Loi purchased 1,000 tons of scrap cowhide waste with the intention of reselling it to factories for profit. However, failing to find a buyer, Loi contacted Nghia to locate an empty plot of land for storing the waste. They planned to find a buyer and split the profits, offering the waste at 450,000 VND per ton.

Following Loi's instructions, Nghia arranged to rent a 4,000 square meter plot of land in Loc Thanh commune for 15 million VND a month. After dumping the waste there, Loi and his associates abandoned the site. The waste was left exposed to the elements, allowing it to decompose naturally, release foul odors, and contaminate local water sources and the surrounding environment.

Waste dumped into the environment causes pollution. Photo: Thai Ha

Police emphasized that Loi possessed the necessary legal capacity and qualifications for waste collection, transport, and treatment. However, instead of processing the large quantity of cowhide waste at a licensed facility, he opted to dump 567 tons of it onto an empty plot, leading to significant environmental contamination.

Phuoc Tuan - Hong Nam