Authorities busted a major illegal trafficking ring transporting large quantities of radioactive materials.

(Chinhphu.vn) - The Lang Son Provincial Police announced that they have successfully investigated and dismantled a case involving the illegal transportation of radioactive materials.

The investigating agency executed the arrest warrant against Tran Van Quan.

Previously, the Lang Son Provincial Police, in coordination with other functional forces, discovered and seized 84 tons of Monazite ore belonging to Duong Lam Joint Stock Company while it was undergoing export procedures. Through examination and based on investigation documents, the authorities determined that the ore was radioactive.

On May 13, 2026, the Security Investigation Agency of the Lang Son Provincial Police issued a Decision to initiate a criminal case, a Decision to prosecute the suspect, and an Arrest Warrant for temporary detention against Tran Van Quan (born in 1957; residing in Tan Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) for the crime of "Illegally transporting radioactive substances," as stipulated in Article 309 of the Penal Code. Simultaneously, on May 16, 2026, the Security Investigation Agency of the Lang Son Provincial Police executed the Arrest Warrant for temporary detention against Tran Van Quan. These decisions were approved by the Lang Son Provincial People's Procuracy.

Expanding the investigation, the Security Investigation Agency of the Lang Son Provincial Police searched the office of Duong Lam Joint Stock Company in Lam Dong province and the company's Ilmenite-Zircon refining plant in Hoa Thang commune, Lam Dong province. During the search, the authorities seized many items and documents related to the case to aid in the investigation.

According to assessments, the seized Monazite ore has a high proportion of rare earth oxides, which can be used in the production of electronic devices, high-tech products, and applications in nuclear technology.

This is the first time the Lang Son Provincial Police have investigated and uncovered a case involving a large quantity of radioactive materials. The Provincial Police are directing the Security Investigation Agency to continue coordinating with the Provincial People's Procuracy and other functional units to expand the investigation and handle the case in accordance with the law.

According to the Lang Son Provincial Police.

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/pha-chuyen-an-van-chuyen-trai-phep-so-luong-lon-chat-phong-xa-102260518145643394.htm