Preventing illegal lending in rural areas.

In accordance with Directive No. 12/CT-TTg dated April 25, 2019, of the Prime Minister, the province has intensified efforts to address illegal lending, preventing the activities of this type of crime, especially in rural areas.

Báo An Giang•18/12/2025

Evidence seized in a usurious lending case discovered on August 10, 2025, in Binh Duc ward. Photo: Nguyen Hung

According to the Criminal Police Department of the Provincial Public Security, in 2025, the prevention and control of crimes and violations of the law related to illegal lending in the province will continue to show positive progress. Many organizations and individuals operating under the guise of businesses have been dismantled. These individuals no longer operate openly and brazenly as before. Public awareness has increased, and many financial support programs from the State Bank of Vietnam and credit institutions have been implemented to meet needs, thus reducing the number of people resorting to illegal lending. Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Bang, Deputy Head of the Criminal Police Department of the Provincial Public Security, stated: “The entire province's police received and processed 15 cases involving 23 individuals related to illegal lending activities, a decrease of 9 cases compared to the same period in 2024; prosecuted 8 cases with 13 defendants for usury in civil transactions; imposed administrative penalties in 6 cases with 9 individuals; and are continuing to investigate 1 case with 1 individual.”

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Hoai Han, Head of the Hoi An Commune Police, stated that previously, Hoi An was a complex area regarding social vices, particularly with illegal lending deeply infiltrating residential areas, especially the ferry terminal, where many poor laborers and traders congregate. Many incidents involved individuals exerting pressure and threats, leading to conflicts and further complicating the situation. After the merger, the commune police have strengthened their presence in the area, regularly disseminating information to help people understand the policies and conditions for accessing loans from legitimate credit funds and financial companies. Simultaneously, they have increased patrols to detect and handle cases of distributing leaflets seeking loan customers and posting illegal advertisements. As a result, they have apprehended two individuals distributing loan leaflets in the ferry terminal area and made them sign commitments not to repeat the offense. To date, this situation has almost disappeared, and no residents have reported any related incidents.

Joining hands to combat illegal lending, the An Giang branch of the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development ( Agribank ) has proactively implemented many programs for consumer loans, loans to support production and business, and loans for daily life needs, helping thousands of customers access legitimate capital and contributing to reducing the prevalence of usurious and high-interest loans.

“According to statistics, outstanding consumer credit across the entire system reached approximately 2.8 trillion VND, accounting for 20% of the total outstanding credit in the economy , with an average growth rate of 20.5% per year. This helps about 70% of the population access formal capital, significantly reducing the risks from illegal lending. These efforts not only support the local economy but also contribute to the overall goal of the banking sector in expanding consumer credit,” shared Mr. Nguyen Van Hoang, Deputy Director of Agribank An Giang Branch.

Having received preferential loan support for the past 20 years, Mr. Ngo Van Dau, residing in Cho Vam commune, expressed: “Farmers need capital to develop, but if they don't have good awareness, they can easily be exploited by unscrupulous individuals and fall into illegal lending schemes. My family received loan support from the bank, avoiding high interest rates and allowing us to work with peace of mind.”

Looking at the positive changes in the area, it is clear that the fight against illegal lending in rural areas is only truly effective when implemented synchronously, persistently, and with the joint efforts of the entire political system. From the decisive involvement of the police force to the supportive role of credit institutions, and above all, raising awareness and vigilance among the people, illegal lending is gradually losing its "breeding ground".

In the coming period, along with continuing to tighten management and strictly handle violations, expanding legal, convenient, and suitable loan channels for rural people will be a fundamental and long-term solution, contributing to maintaining security and order and creating a foundation for sustainable socio-economic development at the grassroots level.

NGUYEN HUNG

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/ngan-chan-tin-dung-den-o-nong-thon-a470775.html