Duc Giang Chemical Group CEO Charged Over Environmental Crimes

Luu Bach Dat, CEO of Duc Giang Chemical Group, along with two subordinates, faces charges related to environmental pollution and resource exploitation. The investigation by the Ministry of Public Security's Investigation Police Agency centers on alleged wrongdoings within the chemical company.

Dat is accused of environmental pollution, while Nguyen Quoc Trung, a board member, is under investigation for violating regulations concerning the research, exploration, and exploitation of resources. Phung Trong Tu, a deputy general director, is also charged with environmental pollution. These charges follow an earlier indictment in March of 14 individuals in connection with the case, including Dao Huu Huyen, the Chairman of Duc Giang Chemical Group.

Initial findings suggest the accused illegally dumped millions of tons of waste across dozens of hectares in the Tang Loong Industrial Zone in Lao Cai province. This dumping allegedly caused severe environmental pollution, significantly impacting the local population's lives. Furthermore, the company is accused of illegally mining hundreds of thousands of tons of apatite ore, valued at hundreds of billions of dong, and concealing revenue through off-book accounting, resulting in tens of billions of dong in tax losses for the state.

These alleged violations by Duc Giang Chemical Group have reportedly occurred over an extended period, causing public outcry. Established in 1963 and privatized in 2003, the group is a leading producer of phosphorus and basic chemicals in Vietnam, manufacturing products such as phosphoric acid, yellow phosphorus, fertilizers, and detergents. The company's alleged actions have raised serious concerns about environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance within Vietnam's industrial sector.