A company director is arrested. Photo courtesy of The Police of Phú Thọ Province

HÀ NỘI — Phú Thọ provincial police have dismantled a major criminal network operating in the former Vĩnh Phúc Province, summoning and arresting multiple business leaders allegedly involved in illegal activities that sparked public outrage and posed a threat to local security.

More than 200 officers and soldiers from economic and criminal police units were mobilised to investigate and break up the large-scale case.

Authorities carried out urgent searches at 28 locations, including residences and workplaces linked to three organised criminal groups. A total of 36 individuals have been arrested or summoned for investigation.

The provincial investigative police have issued emergency detention orders for 10 key figures, including directors of several construction and environmental companies. Simultaneously, 26 other individuals were summoned in Xuân Hoà Ward, Phúc Yên Commune, Yên Lạc Commune and Bình Tuyền Commune for verification and further investigation.

At the locations searched, officers seized a range of evidence, including documents, accounting books, land ownership certificates, contracts related to land and housing, four firearms, six BB pellets, a package of gunpowder, a package of bullets and other items pertinent to the case.

Authorities are continuing their investigation, expanding it to include individuals who aided, abetted or covered up the crimes, with a firm commitment to prosecute all offenders according to the law, in the spirit of no forbidden zones, no exceptions.

Following the reorganisation and merger of provincial-level administrative units, Major General Nguyễn Minh Tuấn, director of Phú Thọ Province Police, has instructed specialised units to review the area and identify lawbreakers for appropriate action, underscoring the province’s determination to build a clean and safe environment and prevent organised crime from operating under the guise of legitimate businesses.

The local investigative unit has urged victims of these groups to come forward and provide relevant information or documents to support the investigation. — VNS