VIENTIANE: Intensive investigations by Attapeu authorities have revealed the embezzlement of more than 158 billion kip of government money.
Head of Provincial Anti-Corruption Authorities, Souvansy Keoviseuth, reported that the total losses comprise over 158 billion kip and an additional US$ 369,000.
At the center of the case is a man, the primary suspect, who fled to a neighboring country following the initial investigation. He later surrendered to provincial authorities in December 2024, triggering a broader probe that identified 37 additional suspects, according to Lao Security news.
Investigators found that misappropriated funds were drawn from multiple sources, including government ministry budgets, disaster relief funds earmarked for victims in Sanamxay district, and loans obtained from financial institutions.
Of the 38 suspects identified, 12 have been prosecuted and sentenced, while 26 remain under active investigation. The suspects include 19 government officials, one of whom has since died, three centrally managed officials, including one retiree, 16 individuals directly linked to the corruption offenses, and 10 others connected to related criminal activities.
In conjunction with the investigation, authorities seized several assets, including 14 land plots, four vehicles, two motorcycles, and one mobile phone. - Vientiane Times/ANN
