Up to 54 defendants prosecuted in repatriation flight bribery scandal

The Investigation Security Agency under the Ministry of Public Security has proposed prosecuting 54 defendants involved in the cases of “giving and accepting bribes, brokering bribery, abusing positions and power while performing duties, and fraudulently appropriating property”, which occurred at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Hanoi and other provinces and cities, after the agency concluded its investigations.

Up to 54 defendants prosecuted in repatriation flight bribery scandal -0

The Investigation Security Agency under the Ministry of Public Security has proposed prosecuting 54 defendants involved in the cases of “giving and accepting bribes, brokering bribery, abusing positions and power while performing duties, and fraudulently appropriating property”, which occurred at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Hanoi and other provinces and cities, after the agency concluded its investigations.

Accordingly, 21 defendants are prosecuted for receiving bribes in line with Article 354 of the Penal Code, including Nguyen Quang Linh, former Assistant to the Standing Deputy Prime Minister; Nguyen Thanh Hai, Director of the Government Office's Department of International Relations, and Nguyen Tien Than and Nguyen Mai Anh, employees at the department.

The defendants at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs being prosecuted include: To Anh Dung, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Nguyen Thi Huong Lan, Director of the Consular Department; Do Hoang Tung, deputy head of the department; Le Tuan Anh, chief of the department’s office; Luu Tuan Dung, deputy head of the citizen protection desk at the department; Vu Hong Nam, former Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan; Nguyen Hong Ha, former Vietnamese Consul General in Osaka, Japan; Ly Tien Hung, former official of the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia; and Vu Ngoc Minh, former Vietnamese Ambassador to Angola.

Other defendants, who are also prosecuted for taking bribes, are from the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the Ministry of Public Security, the People’s Committees of Hanoi and Quang Nam province, including Vice Chairman of the Quang Nam Provincial People's Committee Tran Van Tan, and Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Municipal People's Committee Chu Xuan Dung.  

Those who are prosecuted for abusing positions and power while carrying out official duties specified in Article 356 of the Penal Code include Tran Viet Thai, former Ambassador of Vietnam to Malaysia; Nguyen Le Ngoc Anh, Nguyen Hoang Linh, and Dang Minh Phuong, former staff members of the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia.

The authorities also prosecuted 23 defendants for giving bribes; four others for brokering bribery; one for fraudulently appropriating property and giving bribery; and one another for  fraudulently appropriating property.

This is a particularly serious and complicated case, that occurred in the context of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic concerning many agencies, organisations and authoritised units in and outside the country, causing public concern. The defendants took advantage of the COVID-19 situation to gain personal profits despite the legal provisions, infringing on the proper operation of State agencies, seriously affecting Vietnam's reputation in the international arena, and undermining the people's trust.

VNA

Other News

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

To accelerate the implementation of the the Ethnic Affairs Strategy by 2030, with a vision toward 2045, the Prime Minister requested ministries, agencies and local authorities to continue thoroughly carrying out the Party and State’s policies on ethnic affairs, enhancing the effectiveness of State management and strengthening oversight of policy implementation.

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

The team examined the APEC 2027 Convention Centre, where main conference activities are scheduled; Sun Serenia Hospital, designated to provide healthcare and emergency medical services for delegates; provincial road DT.975, which connects Phu Quoc International Airport to the convention centre; and the area surrounding Phu Quoc International Airport.

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

According to the municipal Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board, the city is simultaneously implementing seven projects, namely Tu Lien, Ngoc Hoi, Tran Hung Dao, Thuong Cat, Van Phuc, Hong Ha and Me So bridges. Construction is being carried out on multiple fronts, focusing on bored piles, pile caps, piers and superstructure works.

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Seventy-two years after the Dien Bien Phu Victory, its legacy still reverberates. The unity, self-reliance, and resilience forged in that historic triumph remain a powerful internal engine, now propelling Dien Bien toward fast and sustainable development.

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

In the 2027–2030 period, the city will accelerate the transition towards the complete phase-out of fossil fuel-powered buses. The share of electric and green energy-fueled buses is projected to reach 79–89% by 2029 and 100% by 2030.

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

At 8:00 the same day, KN475 began towing the disabled fishing boat toward Da Tay A island. The towing operation was carried out safely, and by 18:30 both the vessel and its crew had arrived at the island without incident, where repairs and additional support procedures were arranged.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

By the end of April, the number of buses using electricity and other green energy sources in the city is expected to reach 822, including 683 electric buses and 139 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, representing 42.1% of the total number of vehicles.