Phu Tho Provincial Police announced on 1/4 that the Investigation Police Agency has indicted 15 defendants on 9 charges. The case involves organized crime operating under the guise of businesses to commit various offenses across Phu Tho province.

Among those indicted are several former officials, accused of abusing their positions and power while performing official duties or lacking responsibility, causing serious consequences. They include Hoang Van Thien, a civil servant at Phuc Yen Forest Protection Department; Nguyen Lam Toi, former Head of Phuc Yen City Forest Protection Department (now Head of Lap Thach Forest Protection Department); Luu Van Cuong, who was a land administration official for Ngoc Thanh commune at the time of the crime and is now a freelance worker; Luu Tien Chung, who was the Vice Chairman of Ngoc Thanh commune People's Committee in charge of economic affairs, responsible for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, finance, budget, land management, and environment at the time of the crime, and is now the Director of the Xuan Hoa ward People's Committee's Public Administration Service Center; and Hoang Chi Thanh, a former land administration official of Trung My commune People's Committee, now a freelance worker.

Police indicted Nguyen Lam Toi, who was the Head of Phuc Yen City Forest Protection Department at the time of the crime and is now the Head of Lap Thach Forest Protection Department. Photo: Provincial Police

The investigation agency also indicted and temporarily detained several individuals involved in various businesses. These include Ly Van Hai, a freelance worker; Nguyen Van Thuc, Director of Tinh Tuan Trading Co., Ltd., who oversees operations of Vinh Phuc Urban Development Joint Stock Company; Ly Cong Sinh, Director of Dai Loc Construction and Trading Co., Ltd.; Nguyen Thi Hiep, Deputy Director and operator of Hiep Hung Trading One Member Co., Ltd.; Dam Duy Khanh, Director of BMV Material Supply Joint Stock Company and Duy Khanh VP Construction and Environment Joint Stock Company; and Bui Thi Thi, Director of Minh Thuy Production, Trading, and Service One Member Co., Ltd.

These individuals are part of a group under investigation for a range of offenses, including: environmental pollution, abusing influence over people in positions of power for personal gain, violating accounting regulations causing serious consequences, operating a prostitution ring, illegally possessing military weapons, illegally trading invoices, and violating regulations on resource research, exploration, and exploitation.

Police arrested Luu Van Cuong, who was a land administration official for Ngoc Thanh commune at the time of the crime and is now a freelance worker. Photo: Provincial Police

In the same ongoing case, police also indicted and temporarily detained Nguyen Van Thang, Deputy Director of Tinh Tuan Trading Co., Ltd. and General Director of Vinh Phuc Urban Development Joint Stock Company.

Authorities are continuing to expand the investigation into accomplices and those who provided cover, adhering to the principle of "no forbidden zones, no exceptions." The Investigation Police Agency urged citizens who are victims of the aforementioned defendant groups in any sector to proactively cooperate with the police to provide information.

Police searched and seized documents at the residence of defendant Luu Tien Chung. Photo: Provincial Police

Earlier, in the early morning of 24/3, Major General Nguyen Minh Tuan, Director of Phu Tho Provincial Police, along with two deputy directors, led a task force of over 200 people to search 28 locations. During these raids, numerous firearms, ammunition, and related documents were seized.

While the full details of the case have not yet been announced, police stated that the incident involves organized crime operating under the guise of businesses to carry out illegal activities.