Prosecution of 11 suspects in environmental monitoring violations case

On the afternoon of April 3, 2026, at a press briefing on the results of the police’s work in Q1/2026, Major General Le Van Tan, Deputy Chief of the Office of the Investigation Police Department, announced details of a criminal case involving the Northern Environment Monitoring Center (NCEM) and related units nationwide.

Charges and indictments

The investigation concluded charges for “violation of bidding regulations causing serious consequences,” “bribery,” and “accepting bribes.” As a result, 11 defendants were indicted for three offenses.

Defendants Hoang Van Thuc, former Director of the Environment Department, and Tran Thi Minh Huong, Director of NCEM North, were charged with violations of bidding regulations causing serious consequences and accepting bribes.

Dau Tuan Anh, Chairman of Seiki, was charged with violations of bidding regulations causing serious consequences and offering bribes.

The remaining defendants include Nguyen Phan Dung (CEO); Bui Thi Phuc (Deputy CEO of Seiki); Dao Nhu Y and Bui Thi Ha Phuong (Deputy Directors of Deahan); Le Duc Chien (Chairman of the Board); Phan Ngoc Chau (employee of Toan Cau/Global Company); Nguyen Van Tan (Deputy General Director and appraiser at Nhan Tam Viet); and Le Dinh Quang (sales staff at Coninco). They were indicted for violations of bidding regulations causing serious consequences.

Investigation scope going forward

The Investigative Police Agency said it will bolster documentary evidence to prove the alleged acts and clarify related individuals for strict handling under the law.

It will also widen the investigation into acts of violations of bidding regulations causing serious consequences, bribery, and abuse of power in the execution of official duties, related to environmental monitoring bids and maintenance of monitoring equipment, to resolve the case comprehensively under the law.

Abuse of power at NCEM: document falsification and payments

Regarding the offense of “abuse of power” at NCEM, investigators found that from 2021 to 2024, Tran Thi Minh Huong, Pham Quang Hieu, and Ho Minh Trang directed the falsification of documents and payroll records, resulting in payments totaling over 5.5 billion VND.

After deducting 10% personal income tax and operating costs, the Center benefited more than 2.6 billion VND.

Investigators said the funds were moved from the state budget into NCEM’s general fund to be shared among the group.

Additional charges

To date, authorities have issued additional charges against Tran Thi Minh Huong, Ho Minh Trang, and Pham Quang Hieu for “abuse of power in the execution of duties.” The investigation will continue into other involved parties and the compilation of evidence for full legal remedies.