Two women accused of misappropriating funds for comradeship fund

Thai Thi Hong Tham and an accomplice are accused of exploiting the name of the Comradeship Fund to solicit donations and misappropriate contributions from numerous organizations and individuals.

Thai Thi Hong Tham, 54, and Ho Thi Tuong, 58, both residents of Gia Lai province, were arrested on 1/8 by Dak Lak Provincial Police on charges of embezzlement.

Investigations revealed that on 6/7, the two women visited the Son Thanh Commune People's Committee, presenting identification as volunteers and an open letter from the Dak Lak Provincial Former Youth Volunteers Association. Their stated purpose was to solicit contributions for the Comradeship Fund. Within 10 days, they reportedly collected 15,5 million VND from 11 individuals in Son Thanh commune. However, these funds were allegedly not remitted to the Dak Lak Provincial Former Youth Volunteers Association but were instead misappropriated for personal use.

The investigation agency further stated that beyond the initial amount, Tham and Tuong are also suspected of having raised hundreds of millions of VND from numerous other organizations and individuals, which were also not deposited into the fund.

Authorities urge any organizations or individuals who previously transferred money to Tham and Tuong to contact the Economic Police Department of Dak Lak Provincial Police to provide information, which will aid the ongoing investigation.