Hoang Thi Minh Hong was the executive director of the non-profit organization CHANGE. — Photo cand.com.vn

HCM City People’s Court on Thursday sentenced former CHANGE director Hoang Thi Minh Hong to three years in prison for tax evasion.

In addition to returning VNĐ6.7 billion (US$274,600) of tax, she is also subjected to an additional fine of VNĐ100 million ($4,098). 

According to court documents, from 2012 to 2022, her environmental non-profit organisation CHANGE generated more than VNĐ69 billion ($2.8 million) in revenue. 

The organisation did not issue value-added invoices and fully conducted procedures related to accounting, invoicing and documents which led to the VNĐ6.7 billion tax evasion.

Hồng has admitted guilt in court and her family has returned VNĐ3.5 billion ($143,430) for leniency.

The defendant expressed regret for her violations and said this would be a lesson for herself and other non-profit organisations to continue their mission without violating the laws. — VNS