As one of Vietnam’s most significant national infrastructure projects, Long Thanh International Airport plays a crucial role in the country’s economic and social development. However, serious violations in land compensation and resettlement have caused substantial financial losses to the state budget.

Key officials under investigation

According to the Investigation Police Agency of Dong Nai Province, the case involving "violations in compensation and resettlement support in state land acquisition" at Long Thanh airport is currently expanding.

Several officials from the project’s compensation council have been prosecuted, including high-ranking leaders, for misconduct in assessing, compensating, and resettling affected residents. These violations have led to significant financial damages to the state.

Among those arrested is Le Van Tiep, Chairman of Long Thanh District People’s Committee and Head of the Compensation Council. Other officials from Long Thanh district and related units have also been charged as part of the ongoing investigation.

Five officials from the Long Thanh District Land Development Center have been indicted, including:

Le Quang Hung – Director
Nguyen Long Chau – Deputy Director
Nguyen Thai Binh – Compensation Team Leader
Ly Thanh Binh – Compensation Team Leader
Tran Nhat Linh – Compensation Team Leader

Additionally, three officials from Binh Son Commune have been charged:

Duong Ngoc Duc – Acting Chairman of the Commune People’s Committee
Hoang Huu Minh – Deputy Chairman of the Commune People’s Committee
Lam Hoang Thanh Hai – Chairman of the Commune Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee

These individuals face charges of "abuse of power and authority in the performance of official duties."

More than 10,000 files seized, authorities call for witnesses

The violations primarily involve the approval and assessment of compensation claims for households whose land was acquired for the airport project. Investigators have found evidence of falsified timestamps on documents, which influenced compensation calculations and resulted in financial losses.

During the investigation, authorities searched storage facilities related to land acquisition, compensation, and resettlement for the Long Thanh airport project, managed by the district’s Land Development Center. More than 10,000 files were confiscated for further examination.

Authorities are currently reviewing all compensation records to determine the extent of the violations and identify individuals responsible for verifying land origins and approving claims.

Law enforcement agencies have also summoned multiple village leaders in Binh Son Commune to clarify the process of land verification and compensation approval.

Authorities encourage whistleblowers and voluntary restitution

Dong Nai police have called on residents, officials, and civil servants to provide information regarding the land compensation and resettlement irregularities at Long Thanh airport. The authorities have also encouraged those involved in misconduct to voluntarily report their actions, return any illicit gains, and cooperate with investigators to receive leniency.

Individuals who fail to come forward may still face asset confiscation and criminal prosecution for fraud, misrepresentation, and misappropriation of state funds.

The Long Thanh airport land acquisition, compensation, and resettlement project was approved by the Prime Minister in late 2018. Covering approximately 5,000 hectares, the project has a total investment of over $905 million (converted from 22.8 trillion VND).

This investment includes compensation payments, relocation support for displaced residents, and the construction of two resettlement areas covering more than 364 hectares. The project aims to ensure a cleared site for the construction of Long Thanh International Airport.

Hoang Anh