From Pandemic Response to Corruption: A Glimpse at the Việt Á’s Controversy
Piecing the puzzle of misconduct
As the story of the Viet A scandal continues to unfold, the latest development reveals that former Việt Á Company Deputy Director Vũ Đình Hiệp admitted guilt in Hà Nội’s People Court, confessing to bribing government officials to secure contracts with Centres for Disease Control (CDCs). His admissions revealed payments exceeding US$1.3 million spread across Hải Dương, Hà Giang, Nam Định, and Sơn La provinces to gain favor for Việt Á in CDC bids. Hiệp acknowledged carrying as much as US$300,000 in cash, following instructions from former Việt Á CEO and Chairman, Phan Quốc Việt. Phan Quoc Viet faced two charges: “abusing position and power while on duty” and “violating bidding regulations resulting in significant damages”.
Việt Á Technology Corporation held a significant position in the Vietnamese medical technology sector, serving as a major supplier of chemicals and machines for the nation’s hospitals.
More indictments
Military prosecutors announced the indictment against Phan Quốc Việt and six others in the Việt Á Case, citing charges including “abusing position and power while on duty”, for Trịnh Thanh Hùng and Hồ Anh Sơn. Prosecutors recommended sentences ranging from 15 years for Hùng, 11 to 13 years for Sơn, to several years for other defendants implicated in “violating bidding regulations resulting in significant damages.” Specifically, suggested sentences were seven to eight years for Nguyễn Văn Hiệu, six to seven years for Lê Trường Minh, six to seven years for Vũ Đình Hiệp, and three to five years for Ngô Anh Tuấn.
Phạm Xuân Thăng, ex-secretary of Hải Dương’s Party Committee, admitted accepting kickbacks, totaling $175,000, facilitating Việt Á’s exclusive supply in the locality. Thăng claimed former health minister Nguyễn Thanh Long’s recommendation, implicated in taking US$2.25 million from Việt Á, led to Việt Á’s selection. Phạm Duy Tuyến, ex-director of Hải Dương CDC, confessed to receiving US$1.1 million from Việt Á, considering it “profit-sharing,” not bribery. He signed US$6 million worth of supply contracts, admitting later offers included profit-sharing, deemed illegal. Tuyến distributed kickbacks to Thăng and Phạm Mạnh Cường, ex-director of Hải Dương Provincial Department of Health, and shared among CDC subordinates.
Former minister Chu Ngọc Anh acknowledged illegal approval of Việt Á in COVID-19 kit research and receiving a “small gift” from Việt, unaware of US$200,000 in it, attempting its return but getting arrested before doing so. Nguyễn Thanh Long, former health minister, admitted hastiness in granting Việt Á’s license but claimed voluntary offerings from Việt Á without seeking favors. He directed a six-month license to Việt Á, noting Việt later sought favor, following the rules.
How it started
This corruption is linked to Việt Á Technology Corporation’s actions during the pandemic, involving the overpricing of COVID-19 tests and the false marketing of imported kits. The scandal triggered government investigations that resulted in multiple arrests, including high-profile officials like Long and Chu Ngọc Anh. This revelation severely damaged public trust, sparking a broader anti-corruption campaign. Key leaders, including deputy prime ministers and the president, were dismissed, underscoring a systemic issue in Vietnam’s governance.
As the trial approaches its conclusion, Vietnam grapples with the aftermath of this significant breach of trust. The revelations in the courtroom have emphasized the critical need for transparency, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to eliminating corruption to rebuild faith in governance.
Sources:
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/crime/former-health-minister-denies-asking-for-bribe-in-covid-test-kit-scandal-4696871.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vi%E1%BB%87t_%C3%81_scandal#References
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/business-head-accused-of-giving-3-17m-bribes-in-covid-test-kit-scandal-4644658.html
https://vietnamnet.vn/en/prosecutors-announce-indictments-in-viet-a-case-2232644.html
Category: Top Story
