The Ho Chi Minh City Police have initiated significant legal actions, including the arrest of 21 individuals, as part of an investigation into a network that manipulated environmental monitoring results. On October 10, authorities confirmed that five criminal cases have been filed against those involved in altering environmental data and illegally trading invoices.

On September 24, over 250 police officers conducted simultaneous inspections at six locations belonging to five companies suspected of being involved in these fraudulent activities. The companies include the Environmental Construction Joint Stock Company, the Vietnam Standard Technical Joint Stock Company, and several others specializing in environmental testing.

During the raids, authorities seized a substantial amount of evidence, including 288 documents, 163 computer CPUs, three USB drives, four hard drives, and various environmental analysis equipment, along with 22 official seals. In total, 158 individuals were summoned for questioning as part of the investigation.

Initial investigations revealed that the suspects exploited their positions to manipulate environmental test results, changing figures from exceeding standards to compliant levels. This organized and sophisticated misconduct involved multiple stages of coordination. Some individuals attempted to destroy or alter evidence when they became aware of the investigation.

The Ho Chi Minh City Police have charged the suspects with offenses related to forgery in official activities and illegal invoice trading, as defined under the Criminal Code. The arrested individuals include several directors and deputy directors from the implicated environmental companies, as well as leaders from related businesses.

This case is considered particularly complex, with violations that have persisted over time. The manipulation of data not only undermines the integrity of environmental testing but also conceals the true state of environmental pollution, posing risks to public health and safety.

The investigation led by the Economic Police Department (PC03) is ongoing, as authorities aim to clarify the roles and responsibilities of all involved parties for appropriate legal action.