On 7/7, Lang Son Provincial Police announced that the Security Investigation Agency initiated legal proceedings against 12 individuals for embezzlement of property. The arrests stem from allegations that members of the Bac Le Temple Management Board misappropriated 7 billion Vietnamese dong in public donations. This investigation falls under Clause 4, Article 353 of the Penal Code.
The accused include: Phung Van Quang, Deputy Chairperson of Tan Thanh Commune People's Committee and Head of the temple management board from 18/9/2025 to present; Truong Xuan Huu, former Deputy Chairperson of Tan Thanh Commune People's Committee and former Head of the temple management board; Ho Minh Duc, treasurer of the temple management board; Ha Van Hung, standing deputy head of the management board; and members Phuong Van Thom, Trieu Van Dinh, Hoang Thanh Nhan, Tang Thi Thuy, Hoang Van Do, Hoang Thi Phuc, Luong Thi Tuong, and Dao Van Son, all of whom are members of the temple management board.
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Police read out the indictment order to the accused. *Photo: Police provided* |
The Bac Le Temple is a renowned complex of relics and a significant religious establishment in Lang Son province. Its management falls under the responsibility of the Tan Thanh Commune Relic Management Board. In 11/2023, the Tan Thanh Commune People's Committee established the temple management board, comprising 13 members, including the head, deputy heads, accountant, and treasurer.
The investigation agency alleges that during their tenure, the management board members abused their assigned positions and duties. They reportedly discussed and agreed on methods to misappropriate funds. The scheme is considered sophisticated and secretive.
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Security agency searches the workplaces of the accused. *Photo: Police provided* |
From 2023 to present, all members of the management board allegedly collected donations from altars and temple shrines without recording them in the official donation ledgers. The total misappropriated amount is estimated at 7 billion Vietnamese dong.
