Thanh Hoa, 29 August, 2025 – On the night of August 28, the residence of Cao Tien Doan, President of Dong A Thanh Hoa FC and Chairman of Dong A Real Estate Group, was searched by hundreds of police officers in Thanh Hoa province. The large-scale operation, which began around 9:00 p.m. at his private villa in Sam Son Ward, has drawn widespread public attention.
At the same time, another police unit carried out searches at the headquarters of Dong A Company located on Le Loi Boulevard in Thanh Hoa City. The coordinated move involved multiple branches of the provincial police, including economic crime investigators.
While the Thanh Hoa Provincial Police have not disclosed full details, investigators confirmed that the action stemmed from public denunciations reporting potential violations by Doan. Authorities stated that the 65-year-old businessman is suspected of “violating accounting regulations causing serious consequences” under Article 221 of Vietnam’s Penal Code 2015.
By midnight, the search was still ongoing, and close to 1:00 a.m. on August 29, officers continued to examine both his residence and company office. Several trucks were seen at the Dong A headquarters, reportedly used to transport multiple computers and large amounts of financial documents seized as evidence.
Doan, widely known in football circles as “Bau Doan,” holds multiple influential positions beyond his role at Dong A Thanh Hoa FC. He currently serves as General Director of Dong A Real Estate Group, a delegate of the Thanh Hoa People’s Council, and a member of the provincial Assembly’s Economic and Budget Committee. In addition, he is President of the Thanh Hoa Business Association.
In the football community, Bau Doan is a familiar figure since taking over Thanh Hoa FC, currently competing in V-League 1 under the name Dong A Thanh Hoa. He has been credited with providing financial backing that stabilized the club, helping them remain a strong contender in Vietnam’s top-flight football.
The ongoing investigation has shocked many, particularly because of Doan’s high-profile status both in business and sports. While no official charges have been filed yet, the accusations of accounting violations could carry severe legal consequences depending on the outcome of the probe.
Thanh Hoa authorities have stressed that the case remains under investigation and further details will be announced once verified. For now, both Doan’s residence and his company headquarters remain key sites of scrutiny as investigators review the seized materials.
The development marks one of the most significant legal probes in recent years involving a figure from Vietnam’s professional football scene. The outcome of this case is expected to have major implications not only for Dong A Real Estate Group but also for Dong A Thanh Hoa FC, which relies heavily on Doan’s leadership and sponsorship.
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