Vietnamese principal granted bail after 7-year embezzlement sentence for using fake invoices to make school equipment

The People's Procuracy of Region 5 in Ca Mau announced the bail on Saturday.

Lawyer Quach Trong Phu from Thanh Hung Law Office of the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association, who is representing Tam, said that replacing detention with bail reflects the objective consideration of the legal authorities.

It ensures the investigation process continues while giving the defendant time to prepare a defense and protect his legal rights.

Tam expressed his deep emotion and joy upon being released.

“My health is good now. I hope the authorities will re-examine the entire case and issue a fair decision,” he said.

Tam assumed the role of principal at Tam Giang Tay Middle School in Tan An Commune, Ca Mau Province in mid-July 2022.

Facing severe shortages in learning materials and school facilities, he took the initiative to purchase the materials and personally build items such as file racks, TV stands, and ladder chairs for use at the school.

However, because he lacked official purchase invoices, Tam obtained ones from a business to legitimize payment procedures.

Investigators concluded that he had embezzled over VND10.7 million (US406.8), despite the fact that all items had been put to practical use at the school.

The first-instance trial by the People's Court of former Ngoc Hien District sentenced Tam to seven years in prison, imposed on him a two-year ban from holding any official position, and ordered him to repay the full amount.

Tam filed an appeal, claiming he had no intention to embezzle but had simply violated financial procedures. He also repaid the money in question.

At the appellate hearing, Tam acknowledged procedural violations but denied any personal gain. 

He explained that the excess funds were spent on school-related activities, such as hospitality expenses for inspection teams, business trips to Hanoi, and Internet fees.

The Ca Mau People’s Court found that the initial verdict had overlooked critical factors, such as failing to assess the value of the items Tam created, not involving school representatives in legal proceedings, not verifying actual damages, and failing to consider the intent and use of the funds deemed embezzled.

As a result, the court annulled the original verdict and ordered a retrial.