Vietnam arrests 74 over falsified environmental data

State media reported that police identified nearly 160 environmental monitoring stations that had been tampered with or had their data altered, accounting for more than half of the country’s total monitoring network.

Officials and companies implicated

Those detained include officials from state environmental agencies and employees from companies responsible for emissions and wastewater discharge, facing charges related to environmental monitoring violations.

Investigators stated that although monitoring devices were sealed and fitted with surveillance systems, data was remotely manipulated via software to decrease output indicators and maintain readings within permitted limits.

Major facilities under investigation

Authorities stated that data from major emitters, including coal-fired power stations such as Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Thai Binh 2, as well as aluminium and steel companies, had been altered in a sophisticated way.

The arrests follow a months-long investigation into environmental data manipulation, raising concerns over regulatory compliance and monitoring integrity.