According to an official statement released on the afternoon of April 10, the provincial police’s investigation agency issued an emergency detention order and warrant against Hoang Trong Loi on April 9.

Authorities also conducted searches at his residence and workplace, seizing multiple documents related to the case.

Investigators said Loi committed the alleged offenses while serving as vice chairman of the People’s Committee of Phuc Yen City in the former Vinh Phuc Province. Prior to his arrest, he was serving as vice chairman of the People’s Committee of Phuc Yen Ward in Phu Tho Province.

The arrest marks a new development as police expand their probe into criminal groups operating under business cover in the locality.

Earlier, on March 31, Phu Tho police launched the case and detained 15 suspects linked to organized crime groups, including both current and former state officials.

Among them, nine individuals are under investigation for multiple offenses, including environmental pollution, abuse of influence for personal gain, violations of accounting regulations, harboring prostitution, illegal possession of military-grade weapons, illegal trading of invoices, and violations related to natural resource exploitation.

The remaining six suspects include Hoang Van Thien, a forestry official; Nguyen Lam Toi, head of a local forest protection unit; Luu Van Cuong, a former land official; Luu Tien Chung, a former commune vice chairman; Hoang Chi Thanh, a former land officer; and Nguyen Van Thang, a business executive.

This group is being investigated for offenses such as violations of resource exploitation regulations, abuse of power while performing official duties, and lack of responsibility causing serious consequences.

The case is part of a broader crackdown, in which more than 200 police officers previously raided 28 locations and dismantled three major criminal groups operating in the province.

Duc Hoang