Reporter investigated for protecting trucks
Tran Huy Lam was accused of receiving money from transport organizations to protect vehicles running the Ninh Binh - Dong Nai route.
Lam, 46 years old, residing in Tan Lam Huong commune, Thach Ha district, was prosecuted and arrested by Ky Anh town police (Ha Tinh) on November 1 for the crime ofTaking advantage of position and power to influence others for personal gain, according to Article 358 of the Penal Code.
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| Suspect Lam (right corner) working with the investigation agency. Photo:Police provided |
According to the announcement of Ha Tinh Police, at the time of his arrest, Lam was a reporter for the Automobile Transport Magazine (Vietnam Automobile Transport Association). The magazine's leaders said they were coordinating with the police to clarify this incident, so they could not provide specific information yet.
Automobile Transport Magazine has sent reporters to register for press activities in Ha Tinh but Tran Huy Lam's name is not on the list of the provincial Department of Information and Communications.
Authorities allege that from 2019 until now, Lam has taken advantage of his position as a reporter to carry out "protection" acts, receiving money from organizations and individuals who own trucks and passenger cars running the route from Ninh Binh to Dong Nai.
Lam mainly "protects" trucks. These vehicles have not violated any laws, but the owners "prevent violations" and ask Lam for help. Lam receives monthly payments from the owners of vehicles running this route.
"The amount of money Lam received was very diverse, there was no specific price. The unit is proving to clarify," said a leader of Ha Tinh Police.
During the investigation of the area, Ky Anh Town Police discovered Lam's violations and on October 16 coordinated with other forces to arrest him. Searching his residence, the police seized many documents that Lam often used to commit crimes.