Phú Thọ officials arrested for illegal mineral exploitation

Authorities in Phú Thọ Province have arrested and detained several high-ranking officials from Hợp Kim commune for abusing their positions and powers. The suspects include Hoàng Văn Lộc, the Party Secretary and Chairman of the People's Council; Đinh Thanh Tùng, the Chairman of the People's Committee; and Bùi Trọng Nghĩa, Deputy Head of the commune's Economic Department.

The investigation stems from violations regarding the research, exploration, and exploitation of natural resources. Following landslides in late 2025, local authorities were instructed by the provincial government to manage excess soil according to specific geological and mineral laws. Instead, officials allegedly conspired with two companies—Công ty cổ phần đầu tư - thương mại 336 and Công ty cổ phần xây dựng Hợp Kim 889—to create 26 fraudulent construction plans to facilitate illegal land exploitation.

Additionally, four individuals from the involved companies, including directors and managers, have been prosecuted for violating regulations on resource exploitation.