Competent forces on April 18 searched the houses of Tran Van Minh and Van Huu Chien, former leaders of the central city of Da Nang, who allegedly involved in the case of Phan Van Anh Vu.

Journalists and police wait in front of Tran Van Minh's house during the search

The home search was witnessed by local police and representatives of residential areas where Minh and Chien reside. 

On April 17, the investigation police agency of the Ministry of Public Security launched criminal proceedings against and put into temporary detention Minh, 63, who was Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang city from 2006-2011.

The same day, criminal proceedings were taken against Chien, who served as Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee from 2011 to 2014.  Sixty-four-year-old Chien was also banned from leaving his residence.  

Both Minh and Chien have faced the charges of “violating regulations on state asset management and use, causing losses and wastefulness” under Article 219 of the 2015 Penal Code and “violating State regulations on land management” under Article 229 of the 2015 Penal Code.

They are among seven persons put into temporary detention for their alleged involvement in the case of Phan Van Anh Vu on April 17.

Earlier, police initiated an investigation into 43-year-old Phan Van Anh Vu, nicknamed Vu “nhom,” for alleged breaches in the purchase and sale of public-owned houses and land in Da Nang and some other cities and provinces. 

Vu was charged with “deliberately disclosing state secrets”, “tax evasion”, and “abusing position and power while performing duties.”

Police are expanding the probe to clarify the responsibilities of people involved.-VNA