HCMC – The police have detained the incumbent chairman of An Giang Province’s People’s Committee, Nguyen Thanh Binh, on alleged charges of involvement in the largest illegal sand mining ring in the province, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) announced on its website today.
The leader of An Giang’s government has been formally accused and detained by the MPS’ investigative police to look into his involvement in the ring.
Lieutenant General To An Xo, spokesperson of the PMS, told the local media today that the Investigative Police Agency (C03) had decided to press charges against Binh on alleged charges of abusing his position and power while performing official duties.
On the same day, the police searched Binh’s residence and workplace to collect evidence.
Binh’s arrest is linked to the illegal sand mining activities of Trung Hau – Tong 68 Investment Joint Stock Company at the sand mines in My Hiep and Binh Phuoc Xuan communes, Cho Moi District, An Giang. This is regarded as the largest illegal sand mining ring in the province to date.
Binh has been charged with violating laws on the sand exploitation and business activities conducted by Trung Hau – Tong 68. The company operated in the sand mines in My Hiep and Binh Phuoc Xuan communes.
Nguyen Thanh Binh abused his position and authority to interfere, direct and assist Trung Hau – Tong 68 in obtaining permits for exploration, mining, adjusting reserves, capacity, and exploiting beyond the legal provisions in the sand mines of My Hiep and Binh Phuoc Xuan communes.
This unlawful conduct resulted in substantial improper gains, causing damage to state assets, constituting the crime of “abusing power and authority while performing official duties” as stipulated in Article 356, Clause 3 of the Criminal Code.
Also involved in this case are Tran Anh Thu, vice chairman of An Giang Province, who was accused by C03 on August 25 and detained on allegations of bribery, and Nguyen Viet Tri, director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of An Giang Province, who was similarly accused.
The initial results of the investigation showed that Tran Anh Thu in his capacity as vice chairman of An Giang, directed Nguyen Viet Tri to assist and create favorable conditions for Trung Hau – Tong 68 to obtain permits for exploration, mining, adjusting reserves, and capacity for sand exploitation.
Thu also instructed his subordinates to overlook violations during the exploitation process at the sand mines in My Hiep and Binh Phuoc Xuan operated by the company.
