'Off the books' more than 340 million VND in fees collected from the market, 4 officials were prosecuted

On September 11, a source from the Ky Son District Police said that the unit had just prosecuted Ms. Lo Thi Khuyen (51 years old) for the crime of "Abusing position and power while performing official duties". Before being prosecuted, Ms. Khuyen was the Party Secretary and Chairwoman of the People's Council of Muong Xen town.

This is the fourth official to be prosecuted in connection with the revenue and expenditure violations at Muong Xen market. Previously, the police investigation agency of Ky Son district police had prosecuted Mr. Le Huy Tai (61 years old) - former Chairman of Muong Xen town People's Committee; Mr. Nguyen Van Mai (38 years old) - Vice Chairman of Muong Xen town People's Committee and Ms. Ho Hai Yen (38 years old) - Accountant of Muong Ai commune. All 4 defendants were released on bail for investigation.

Mr. Le Huy Tai, retired more than a year ago. Photo: TH

These people were prosecuted for violations from 2017 and 2018. At that time, Ms. Yen was the accountant of Muong Xen town, Mr. Tai was the Chairman of the town People's Committee. Ms. Khuyen and Mr. Mai still held their positions until the time before being prosecuted.

According to the reporter's source, these people were prosecuted for revenue and expenditure violations related to Muong Xen market. Accordingly, they set their own fees and collected hundreds of millions of dong from vendors in the market each year, but then "left it off the books".

In 2 years, Muong Xen town collected more than 340 million VND in market fees but spent it illegally. Photo: Tien Hung

After being denounced, the Inspection Committee of Ky Son District Party Committee stepped in and concluded that in just 2 years (2017 and 2018), Muong Xen town collected more than 340 million VND in fees from Muong Xen market. However, the spending was not carried out in accordance with current regulations.

Speaking to reporters, Lieutenant Colonel To Van Hau - Head of Ky Son District Police said that the case is being further investigated./.