Pham Hong Ha, former chairman of Ha Long town, was arrested on Saturday on charges of power abuse.
According to the People’s Procuracy of Quang Ninh province, Ha, 62, was detained for investigation over his “abuse of positions and power while performing official duties” according to Article 356 of the Criminal Code.
After several hours searching Ha's house in Ha Long, authorities seized four cars, and brought them and Ha to the investigative agency.
Pham Hong Ha used to be vice chairman of Ha Long and got elected as chairman of the northern town in June 2014. He was also the former head of Ha Long Bay Management Board. In September 2020, Ha retired after 35 years of service.
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-recognized natural heritage site, is a big tourist attraction in northern Vietnam.