Nguyen Van Tinh, 39, was prosecuted on 10/9 by An Giang Provincial Police. He is prohibited from leaving his residence while under investigation for violating regulations on resource exploitation.

Nguyen Van Tinh (center) at the investigative agency. Photo: Duong Dong

The charges stem from an incident in February when detectives discovered a group using an excavator to dig soil from the KH9 canal in Hon Dat commune. The excavated soil was loaded onto an iron barge for transport and sale. Those involved could not produce a valid mineral extraction license from a competent authority.

Police seized an excavator, an iron barge, and approximately 15 cubic meters of soil. Forensic analysis confirmed the seized soil was clay used for bricks and tiles, classified as common construction mineral material.

According to police, Tinh was the mastermind behind the illegal mineral extraction, aiming for illicit gain. He had previously received an administrative sanction for a similar offense and reoffended before the previous sanction period expired.

Iron barge found illegally excavating canal soil. Photo: Duong Dong

Ngoc Tai - Duong Dong