Lạng Sơn officials charged with falsifying environmental data

Lạng Sơn Provincial Police have initiated a criminal investigation into two officials at the Environmental Resources Center, under the Department of Agriculture and Environment, for ‘forgery in office’.

The suspects have been identified as Hứa Văn Chinh, Deputy Director of the center, and Hứa Thị Ngân, Deputy Head of the Environmental Technical Department. Authorities allege that the officials colluded with various businesses and organizations to manipulate environmental monitoring data.

According to investigators, when businesses requested that environmental parameters be adjusted to higher levels than the original analysis showed, the suspects directed subordinates to modify the results without conducting new sampling or re-analysis. This practice was reportedly used to support clients and ensure they continued using the center's services. Police noted that these falsified records pose a risk of environmental pollution and could negatively impact public health.