Vietnam Police Reopen Probe into Alleged Illegal Fundraising at Secondary School

Authorities in Cà Mau province have revived an investigation into potential illegal fundraising activities at Hồ Thị Kỷ Secondary School. The investigation, initially paused to await a financial assessment, is now proceeding based on the findings of an audit conducted by the provincial Department of Finance.

The audit examined the collection and expenditure of funds from various sources between January 2017 and July 2025, including fees from canteen and parking rentals, educational messaging services, student uniforms, and accident insurance. The police had previously suspended the investigation in February 2026, awaiting these crucial financial results.

A prior investigation by the Định Thành Commune People's Committee in October 2025 partially substantiated claims against the school's principal, Trần Quốc Dũng. The committee found that the school had collected funds from canteen and parking rentals, along with other fees, improperly and kept some revenue outside official accounting records since 2016.

Specifically, the principal reportedly signed contracts to lease the canteen and parking facilities from September 2017 to August 2026 without obtaining the necessary approvals for public asset leasing. The committee also noted that Mr. Dũng signed a lease agreement for the canteen with his wife, a teacher at the school, which was deemed a violation of anti-corruption laws.

Records indicate that over 2.9 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately $114,000 USD) was collected from these various revenue streams during the specified period. The commune committee's conclusion stated that these funds were managed by the cashier and disbursed under direction, without being recorded in the school's accounting books or reported to the school board, suggesting the "establishment of funds outside of regulations."