Two foreigners arrested for allegedly desecrating 16th-century emperor’s tomb in Vietnam

THANH HOA, (Vietnam): Two foreigners have been detained by police as part of an investigation into the suspected desecration of the royal tomb of Emperor Le Tuc Tong, located in Kien Tho Commune, Ngoc Lac District, the central province of Thanh Hoa.

Last Saturday (May 3) evening, officials from the Thanh Hoa Centre for Historical Research and Cultural Heritage Conservation discovered signs that the emperor’s tomb had been disturbed.

At the site, authorities found a mobile phone with Chinese-language settings, several identity documents belonging to a Chinese citizen and a metal probing tool commonly used to search for buried artefacts.

The findings were promptly reported to the Thanh Hoa Province Police Department by the heritage centre.

Local police subsequently alerted their counterparts in Quang Ninh Province after learning that two suspects believed to be involved were attempting to flee to their country.

At approximately 2.15pm on Sunday, the Quang Ninh Police Department apprehended the two suspects: Deng Zhui, 41, and Shen Jiangyang, 43.

Both are residents of Guangxi Province in China.

The suspects were handed over to Thanh Hoa Province police for further investigation.

Preliminary findings indicate they allegedly violated laws concerning the desecration of human remains, tombs and graves. They are specifically accused of desecrating the royal tomb of Emperor Le Tuc Tong.

Le Tuc Tong (1488–1505), also known as Le Thuan, was the third son of Emperor Le Hien Tong.

Renowned for his intelligence and filial piety, Le Tuc Tong was appointed Crown Prince during his father’s reign.

The emperor ascended the throne in July 1504 during the Thai Trinh era, following his father’s death.

After passing away in 1505, his remains were interred at Kinh Lang in Lam Kinh, within the present-day bounds of Kien Tho Commune.

According to the Dai Viet su ky toan thu (The Complete Annals of Dai Viet), Emperor Le Tuc Tong was known for his virtuous character, respect for the wise and dedication to maintaining peace and stability throughout the realm. – Vietnam News/ANN