The emotional story of baby Bap, whose real name is M.H., born in 2021, has touched the hearts of thousands. Diagnosed with leukemia, he required expensive medical treatment in Singapore, prompting his mother, Le Thi Thu Hoa, to seek help.

In November 2024, TikToker Pham Thoai, a social media influencer with over six million followers, launched a fundraising campaign to support baby Bap’s treatment. The campaign was widely supported, raising an impressive 16 billion VND, approximately 650,000 USD.

Financial transparency under scrutiny

Despite the charitable intentions behind the campaign, questions arose over how the money was spent. Concerns escalated when it was revealed that, after some time, only 50 million VND remained in the donation account.

On February 25, 2025, Pham Thoai hosted a livestream to address the controversy. The broadcast attracted over 200,000 viewers and three million reactions within just 30 minutes.

During the session, Pham Thoai presented bank statements and explained that the money had been used for medical expenses in Singapore, medication and treatment costs, as well as flights and living expenses for the family during treatment.

However, skepticism remained, with some demanding that baby Bap’s mother also provide full transparency regarding the funds she received.

A viral video showing Le Thi Thu Hoa refusing to disclose financial records further fueled public outrage.

Legal perspectives on charity accountability

Lawyer Tran Tuan Anh from Minh Bach Law Firm highlighted the legal obligations of individuals who raise charity funds.

According to Decree 93/2021/ND-CP, anyone conducting private fundraising must open a separate bank account for each fundraising campaign, ensure full transparency in the use of donated funds, and provide detailed financial reports to donors upon request.

The lawyer emphasized that bank statements are the most reliable method of proving whether charitable donations were used appropriately. If transparency is not maintained, donors have the right to request an official investigation by authorities.

He also noted that under Article 5 of Decree 93, exploiting charity work for personal gain is strictly prohibited. If there is evidence of financial misconduct, those involved could be prosecuted for fraud under Article 174 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Baby Bap’s mother responds to allegations

In an interview with VietNamNet, Le Thi Thu Hoa stated that baby Bap is still undergoing treatment in Singapore and requires an estimated 750,000 USD, approximately 19 billion VND, to continue the necessary medical procedures.

She reaffirmed that all donated funds had been used for their intended purpose but admitted that the family is still struggling financially.

She also revealed that due to intense scrutiny and public pressure, she has refrained from updating social media about baby Bap’s condition, fearing misinterpretation and online harassment.

Expressing frustration, she said she no longer feels in control of the situation and that any statement she makes is quickly distorted.

Le Thi Thu Hoa further disclosed that her parents in their hometown have considered selling their land to raise additional funds for treatment.

She insisted that the family does not intend to request further donations and will rely on their own resources moving forward.

The case of Pham Thoai and baby Bap’s mother highlights the crucial role of transparency in private charity efforts. Public trust is essential, and ensuring clear financial accountability can prevent misunderstandings and allegations of wrongdoing.

While philanthropy should be encouraged, it is evident that any individual or influencer raising funds must be prepared for public scrutiny. Even when intentions are genuine, a lack of detailed financial disclosure can lead to controversy and damage the credibility of those involved.

This incident serves as a reminder to both donors and fundraisers of the importance of integrity and clear financial management in charitable activities.

Thanh Minh