Authorities in Lam Dong Province have confirmed that seven novice monks were victims in a serious sexual abuse case at an unlicensed religious facility in Da Lat.

As of now, three of the children have been returned to their families, while four are being cared for at a legally recognized Buddhist institution in the city.

At a press briefing on April 11, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Deputy Director of the Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Lam Dong Province, provided updated information regarding the case, which took place at the Thap Thien facility on Kim Dong Street, Ward 6, Da Lat.

According to Thao, the facility was managed by Nguyen Dat Vu (38), who goes by the religious name Thich Nguyen Huy and the Dharma title Thich Van Chanh. As of March 2025, around 10 individuals resided at the facility.

The land on which the Thap Thien facility is built was originally donated by Tong Nho to Venerable Thich Vien Thanh, abbot of Van Hanh Zen Monastery, in 2014.

Despite multiple applications from the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Lam Dong to have Thap Thien officially registered as a religious site, no legal approval has been granted to date. As a result, Thap Thien remains an unlicensed and unofficial religious facility.

On November 1, 2024, the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha issued a decision to revoke Vu’s monk ordination certificate, citing serious violations of Buddhist precepts.

The Lam Dong Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs is now working with other agencies to inspect all unauthorized social care centers and unlicensed religious activity points in the province. The goal is to strengthen oversight and address any violations.

Earlier, Lam Dong Provincial Police launched a criminal investigation and arrested Nguyen Dat Vu on charges of raping minors under the age of 16. The crimes were reportedly committed between 2023 and March 2025, targeting children aged 9 to 16 who were living and studying at the facility.

To date, authorities have confirmed seven victims. Three children have been reunited with their families, while the remaining four have been relocated to a legally recognized Buddhist center in Da Lat where they are receiving continued care and support.

Xuan Ngoc