Three Charged in Vietnam for Embezzling Over $40,000 from Temple Donations

Police in Vietnam's Lạng Sơn province have initiated criminal proceedings against three women accused of embezzling significant funds from the Kỳ Cùng temple. The suspects, Phạm Tuyết Lê, 64, Vũ Thị Chuyền, 57, and Kiều Thị Thúy Hường, 58, all residents of Đông Kinh ward, face charges of abusing their positions and powers during official duties, as stipulated by Article 356 of the Penal Code.

Phạm Tuyết Lê, who served as the head of the Kỳ Cùng temple's standing committee, allegedly directed contract employee Vũ Thị Chuyền and accountant Kiều Thị Thúy Hường to withhold a portion of the temple's regular monthly donations. This alleged scheme, which began in late 2022, is reported to have resulted in the misappropriation of over a billion Vietnamese dong (approximately $40,000 USD).

The funds were reportedly divided among the accused and used for unauthorized expenditures. During searches, provincial police confiscated more than 500 million Vietnamese dong in cash, along with various documents and electronic devices pertinent to the investigation. Authorities are continuing to expand their inquiry to identify and prosecute all individuals involved, aiming to recover the illicitly obtained funds.

In light of this case, the Lạng Sơn Provincial Police have urged relevant agencies, temple management committees, and religious sites across the region to strengthen oversight of donations and other funds. They stressed the importance of adhering to legal regulations regarding the use of donations and sponsorships, promoting transparency in financial activities, and promptly addressing any irregularities to prevent the exploitation of religious practices for personal gain.