The Investigation Agency for Corruption, Economic, and Smuggling Crimes (Ministry of Public Security) has detained Nguyen Linh Ngoc, former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, for alleged violations related to the management and use of state assets, leading to loss and waste.

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Those who have been prosecuted in this case. Photo: Ministry of Public Security

The investigation focuses on serious charges including violations of regulations concerning resource exploration and exploitation, accounting misconduct, smuggling, and the handling of assets acquired through criminal activities, with a particular emphasis on the mismanagement and wastage of state assets. These offenses are connected to activities at Thai Duong Group JSC and associated entities.

On July 22, 2024, the Investigation Agency issued arrest warrants and detention orders for five individuals on charges of “violating regulations on the management and use of state assets, causing loss and waste,” as stipulated in Article 219, Clause 3 of the 2015 Penal Code.

The detained individuals include:

- Nguyen Linh Ngoc, former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment 

- Nguyen Van Thuan, former Director General of the General Department of Geology and Minerals of Vietnam

- Hoang Van Khoa, former Head of the Mineral Department, General Department of Geology and Minerals

- Ho Duc Hop, Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Yen Bai Province

- Le Cong Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Yen Bai Province

The Investigation Agency has also issued travel bans and search warrants for Bui Doan Nhu, former Head of the Mineral Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Yen Bai Province, and Le Duy Phuong, former Senior Specialist in the Mineral Department, General Department of Geology and Minerals, as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Investigation Agency is collaborating with relevant units to enforce the legal orders and is continuing to gather evidence, expand the investigation to other related individuals, and ensure strict legal action and recovery of state assets.

T. Nhung