Ninh Binh province's investigative agency is prosecuting five people accused of collectively committing land bidding fraud.
The five had enticed about 20 others to join a land auction in the northern province, lowering bidding prices to help them secure a win.
Their activities have caused damage worth VND20 billion (over $862,000) to the state budget, according to police.
On November 4, 2021, Tuan Linh Company, based in Ninh Binh, held an auction on the rights to use 74 land lots in the province’s Ninh Binh city.
The investigative agency determined that the act of these people has seriously infringed upon the State's regulations on asset auction activities. The case is still being investigated.