HÀ NỘI — The capital city police yesterday arrested three people suspected of printing, publishing and trading value-added tax (VAT) invoices.

Colonel Phùng Anh Quang, head of the investigation division, said after tracing the operation of the accused, the police found they had used “ghost” businesses to illegally trade VAT invoices.

“Their trick was to buy businesses suffering losses and then modify the business’ details, or they would establish ‘ghost’ companies operating in all fields, including construction, tourism, services, and trade. (These businesses would be used) to sell VAT invoices,” the colonel said.

The police found Hoàng Lệ Hằng, 45, residing in Hai Bà Trưng District. She headed the 10-person ring, which comprised her relatives and acquaintances.

Her office was based in Yến Cafe on Cảm Hội Street.

Hằng bought businesses at prices ranging from VNĐ30 to 40 million each, including their stamps and invoices.

She and her accomplices then sold VAT invoices at a price of VNĐ200,000-300,000 each.

On arresting the accused, the police seized 36 company stamps, nearly 200 invoice books, several other documents, and VND757 million in cash.

Since June 2014, the ring has sold more than 3,000 VAT invoices, worth VNĐ780 billion, to 500 companies, under the names of 33 companies.

The illegal trading in VAT invoices has caused tax losses of VNĐ78 billion for the State budget, the police said.

The three accused are Hoàng Lệ Hằng, Vũ Kim Oanh, and Nguyễn An Tuấn.

The police are still investigating the case.  – VNS