Hanoi orders crackdown on illegal villas in Sóc Sơn forest protection area

The Hanoi Party Committee has directed the city government, the Party Inspection Committee and the Hanoi Police to investigate and punish illegal construction in the Sóc Sơn forest protection zone. Reports highlighted a rapid rise of villas, homestays and resorts that have been built since 2023, many of which have already begun commercial operations despite previous criminal cases against officials who allowed forest land to be cleared.

The district of Sóc Sơn reports 33 outstanding violations, with 25 located in Minh Trí commune and eight in Minh Phú commune. Authorities have disciplined 11 officials, including the removal of two commune chairpersons, and have transferred or suspended several others. The investigation will verify the extent of the breaches, hold responsible parties accountable under the law, and submit a report to the media by mid‑August. The city also plans to update forest land planning documents to prevent further illegal development.