Justice Minister Nguyen Hai Ninh announced record-breaking results for 2024 in recovering assets from corruption and economic crimes, reflecting significant progress in enforcement efforts.

Nguyen Huy Tien, Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, revealed the amount during the eighth session of the National Assembly on Tuesday morning in Hanoi.

On the afternoon of November 1, Bac Ninh People's Court sentenced 13 individuals in a high-profile case involving bribery, bid-rigging, and misuse of authority connected to six district hospital projects in Bac Ninh.

Authorities identify key projects, including hospitals and flood prevention, for measures to address waste and improve efficiency.

Following recent investigations, 734 cases and over 1,600 individuals are under review, marking a determined stance against corruption.

Vietnam’s legal authorities report significant strides in recovering assets from corruption and economic crime cases, with more than $680 million seized and substantial assets voluntarily returned.

The former Chairman of the Vietnam Education Publishing House, Nguyen Duc Thai, has been arrested for allegedly accepting nearly VND 24.9 billion ($1 million) in bribes.

The Ministry of Public Security's Investigation Security Agency has proposed the prosecution of former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong for “abusing position and power while performing duties”.

In many cases, large amounts of undeclared assets of unknown origin have been discovered only after police searched officials’ homes, which indicates that false declarations of assets and income are still occurring frequently.

With the excuse of a belated birthday gift, the CEO of Xuyen Viet Oil Mai Thi Hong Hanh gave a luxury Patek Philippine watch to Nguyen Loc An, a Ministry of Investment and Trade (MOIT) official.

Before retiring, former Bac Ninh leaders received money from enterprises in reward for helping them win bids for large projects.

Vietnam is grappling with challenges in accelerating public spending as a result of the ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has led to indecision and delays, experts warned.

In a potent reaffirmation of Vietnam's commitment to combat corruption, General Secretary and President To Lam's recent address has set a resolute course for the nation's ongoing efforts.

In the first half of 2024, 14 high-ranking officials, including five Politburo members, one Secretariat member, and four Party Central Committee members, have resigned.

Bold steps were made to handle serious corruption cases during the first half of the year, including many related to ministries, sectors and localities, in line with the motto of “no off-limits zones and no exceptions”.

The Criminal Investigation Agency for Corruption, Economic Crimes, and Smuggling has arrested a former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and five other suspects in connection with a significant rare earth mining scandal.

A major investigation into state asset misuse has led to the arrest of former Deputy Minister Nguyen Linh Ngoc and several other high-profile figures.

The Ministry of Public Security cracked down on more than 3,000 corruption, economic and smuggling cases, with more than 4,900 defendants involved in the first half of this year, heard a conference.

It imposed disciplinary measures against 68 Party organisations and 104 Party members including 20 officials under the management of the Party Central Committee.