Former Official Arrested for Alleged Murder in Lang Son

Photo courtesy of VN Express

In Lang Son, Vietnam, police have arrested Doan Van Sang, a 57-year-old former market management official. He is accused of murdering 36-year-old Nguyen Xuan Dat in January at his unit's headquarters and concealing the body. The arrest follows a resurgence of public interest in the case due to online document circulation.

Sang and Dat were known to each other since 2020, often engaging in what authorities described as "distorted, deviant" conversations online. On January 25, Sang allegedly brought Dat to the Market Management Team No. 4 headquarters in Huu Lung Commune. Police report that Sang murdered Dat and attempted to cover up the crime both physically and digitally.

Despite the alleged killing, Sang continued his routine, remaining active on social media and in online groups. A leaked video related to the incident briefly appeared in July but was quickly removed. The case reignited in November when an 88-page document detailing the alleged crime circulated widely, prompting public outrage and prompting authorities to accelerate the investigation.

Authorities took significant investigatory steps, including searching Sang's home on November 28 and examining the old headquarters the next day. Police even used a septic-tank vacuum truck to seek evidence. The building, a deteriorating 500-square-meter site, had been used by Market Management Team No. 4 for over 15 years and frequently visited even after the team had moved in mid-2025.

Residents near the headquarters recalled a strong foul odor and unsettling occurrences like local dogs bringing bone fragments home earlier this year, which now add context to the investigation. Police continue to explore the case, promising further revelations, reported VN Express.

Key Takeaways

• A former market official allegedly murdered an acquaintance in January.
• The case gained renewed attention after a detailed document circulated online.
• Investigations are ongoing with additional findings expected soon.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-12-04