VietNamNet Bridge – Major General Phan Nhu Thach, former police chief of Quang Nam Province, will have to pay a fine of VND22.5 million (over $1,000) and dismantle his illegally built villa in the specialized forest of Nam Hai Van in Da Nang city within 35 days, according to a decision from Da Nang authorities.

The villa of Mr. Thach.

The decision was issued on Wednesday by Lien Chieu District People’s Committee in Da Nang city.

Similar penalties were also imposed on a businessman named Ngo Van Quang, director of the Phuoc Minh Gold Co. Ltd based in Quang Nam Province. Quang built a mansion on land of the Lang Van resort project.

Mr. Van Dung, spokesman for Lien Chieu District, said that some had suggested to not dismantle the two mansions but to use them as resorts or houses for orphans and homeless elderly.

Quang's mansion.

Thach and Quang have sent a statement to media and Da Nang authorities to admit their responsibility and apologize for their mistakes, and expressed their wish to keep the construction works, explaining that they had dedicated themselves to the mansions over the years.

A retired senior official in Da Nang said that the law must be upheld. "As a Major General, a former police chief, Mr. Thach would have been an example, but he and his family broke the rules. The case must be handled strictly to show respect for the law."

Ha Linh