Nguyễn Tiến Dũng has been detained for allegedly molesting teenagers living at HCM City’s Social Support Centre where he worked. Photo: tienphong.vn

HCM CITY — HCM City Police announced on Monday they had launched legal proceedings against Nguyễn Tiến Dũng, a social worker from HCM City’s Social Support Centre, for allegedly molesting teenagers living at the centre.

Dũng, an employee at the centre’s education counselling and application management division under the HCMC Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs at Nơ Trang Long Road in Bình Thạnh District, has been detained for questioning.

On Sunday, local press reported that two girls, aged 13 and 14, had reported Dũng to the local police for molesting them during their stay at the centre between May 25 and August 28.

The police officers worked with the victims to collect evidence. Dũng was summoned for questioning.

At the police station, Dũng admitted that he had molested three girls. The girls were 13 and 14 years old.

Dũng said he approached the girls and sexually abused them at night. In return, he gave them cigarettes, soft drinks and promised to complete procedures so that they could go home soon.

Võ Thị Thanh Kim, director of the social support centre said Dũng had been suspended from work for the alleged child sexual abuse.

The suspension started on Monday while disciplinary measures are considered, in line with prevailing regulations.

Lê Minh Tấn, director of the city’s Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs said the department held an urgent meeting with Dũng right after local press reported on the case.

At this meeting, Dũng admitted his misconduct.

Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Đào Ngọc Dung has asked the HCM City People's Committee to strictly handle the case.

Dung has asked the directors of the Department of Social Welfare Division and the Department of Child Care and Protection to work with the Department of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs to investigate and take measures to protect children living at the centre.

Violations must be strictly handled, and cases reported to the ministry.

Information from related agencies revealed that N.N.K.N, a 14-year-old girl living at the centre, had shown signs of psychological instability. N said she and other girls had been molested by Dũng many times.

Two children, aged ten and eight, witnessed his misconduct.

Two other girls, H.T.K.D and Đ.T.K.A, were also victims of Dũng. The girls had returned home and reported Dũng to the local police. — VNS