The Ministry of Public Security on October 2 completed the investigation of the "repatriation flight" case’s second period, clarified the criminal acts, and found sufficient grounds to propose the prosecution of 17 officials on charges of "bribing, accepting bribes, abusing position and powers while performing official duties and concealing crimes”.

They included former officials of localities, companies, and aviation authority.

Investigations found that some local officials abused their positions and authorities in advising and proposing the Thai Nguyen provincial People's Committee to approve a quarantine policy in the locality for personal gains.

The Party and State’s policy and agencies’ arrangement of more than 1,000 flights to repatriate over 200,000 Vietnamese citizens from 62 countries and territories was a demonstration of the State’s humanitarian policy.

The purpose of the flights was good, but this policy was harmed by some corrupt officials who eroded the reputation of the effort in the eyes of the people and the international community.

This is a particularly serious and complicated corruption and position-related case as the defendants violated the proper functioning of State agencies responsible for protecting Vietnamese citizens abroad, particularly during the special circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic when people stranded overseas required support from authorities.

They also infringed upon the proper operations of judicial bodies by concealing criminal acts and obstructing the investigation process, which undermined public trust in the leadership of the Party, the management of State agencies, and the governance of the Government./. VNA