The illegal trade in firecrackers accounts for a large proportion of economic crimes.

(Baonghean.vn) - This was the report of the People's Procuracy of Vinh City to the Legal Affairs Committee of the Provincial People's Council during the supervision of the investigation and prosecution of cases violating economic management order on the afternoon of September 19th.

Ms. Thai Thi An Chung, Deputy Head of the Legal Affairs Committee of the Provincial People's Council, led the monitoring delegation. Also participating was Mr. Tran Van Mao, Deputy Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Phu, Deputy Director of the People's Procuracy of Vinh City, reported on the contents of the meeting. Photo: HT

On average, the People's Procuracy of Vinh City handles 600-700 cases per year, with cases involving violations of economic management regulations accounting for a relatively small number. From January 2015 to June 2017, it handled 26 cases involving 34 defendants; of which 23 cases involving 28 defendants were prosecuted for the crime of trading prohibited goods, mainly firecrackers.

According to Mr. Nguyen Cong Phu, Deputy Director of the Institute, the process of resolving cases involving the trafficking of prohibited goods related to firecrackers is still facing some obstacles.

In January 2016, the Supreme People's Court issued a directive requesting local courts to halt the handling of cases involving the trafficking of prohibited goods, specifically firecrackers, pending further legal guidance.

Subsequently, the Supreme People's Court issued Official Letter No. 91 dated April 28, 2017, and the inter-agency group comprising the Police, the Procuracy, and the People's Court of Nghe An province issued Official Letter No. 462 dated May 10, 2017, providing guidance on the implementation of the law.

Police officers inspect the seized items, which are various types of firecrackers. (Photo: Archival image)

Accordingly, suspension, exemption from criminal liability, and administrative penalties will be applied in accordance with regulations to cases involving the illegal trade of firecrackers. Currently, there are 5 cases of illegal firecracker trading where the court has returned the files for processing to exempt the parties from criminal liability.

However, inconsistent and untimely legal guidance has led to prolonged handling of cases involving the trafficking and transportation of prohibited goods such as firecrackers, affecting the legitimate rights and interests of the individuals involved.

The delegates attending the supervision also requested the Vinh City People's Procuracy to strengthen supervision, ensuring no crimes go unpunished; to pay closer attention to and better understand the developments of economic crimes occurring in the area and under its responsibility, especially in the fields of land and taxation; to reform the judicial system and prevent wrongful convictions; and to focus more on training and developing staff to better meet the requirements of the assigned tasks.

Hoai Thu