Seven Tam Thanh Heritage Site employees arrested for embezzling nearly $7,800

Authorities in Lang Son province have arrested seven individuals suspected of embezzling nearly 200 million Vietnamese dong (approximately $7,800 USD) from the Tam Thanh Heritage Site. The suspects, all employees of the Tam Thanh Heritage Site Management Center, face charges of asset embezzlement.

Investigators allege the group devised a scheme to systematically defraud the state by manipulating ticket sales and parking fees. According to the investigation, two employees, Duong Thi Hong Nhung and Hoang Thu Ha, sold tickets for 20,000 Vietnamese dong but only issued tickets worth 10,000 dong, pocketing the difference. They also allegedly reused old tickets for subsequent visitors, particularly for group tours, to avoid issuing new ones and generating revenue.

Further complicating the scheme, security personnel Chu Phuc Loc, Hoang Thi Minh Thien, and Chu Phuong Nhu reportedly allowed visitors to enter without valid tickets, later collecting these used tickets to be reissued. Meanwhile, Nguyen Van Thai, responsible for collecting parking fees, allegedly failed to issue official e-tickets for vehicles, pocketing the collected money. This money was then handed over to Nhung, who would then submit a portion to the state while keeping the remainder from both ticket and parking revenue.

The group reportedly divided the embezzled funds among themselves. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking to recover all misappropriated assets and ensure the strict prosecution of those involved in accordance with the law.