The investigation police agency of the Ministry of Public Security (MoPS) has put seven persons into temporary detention for their alleged involvement in the case of Phan Van Anh Vu, who was charged with “deliberately disclosing state secrets”, “tax evasion”, and “abusing position and power while performing duties.”

Tran Van Minh (L), Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang city from 2006-2011, and Van Huu Chien, Chairman of the Da Nang municipal People’s Committee from 2011 to 2014, are among the persons charged with involving in Phan Van Anh Vu’s violations

According to the MoPS’s announcement, the investigation police agency issued decisions on April 17 to commence criminal proceedings against and take into custody Phan Huu Tuan (former Deputy Director General of the MoPS’s General Department of Intelligence, born in 1955 and residing in Tay Ho district, Hanoi) and Nguyen Huu Bach (an officer of the MoPS, born in 1963 and residing in Hoang Mai district, Hanoi), who are accused of “deliberately disclosing state secrets” under Article 337 of the 2015 Penal Code.

Earlier the same day, President Tran Dai Quang signed a decision to strip Phan Huu Tuan of the title “People’s Public Security officer”. Minister of Public Security To Lam also signed a decision to strip Nguyen Huu Bach of the title “People’s Public Security officer”.

The investigation police agency also launched criminal proceedings against and put into temporary detention Tran Van Minh (Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang city from 2006-2011, born in 1955 and residing in Hai Chau district, Da Nang) over the charges of “violating regulations on state asset management and use, causing losses and wastefulness” under Article 219 and “violating State regulations on land management” under Article 229 of the 2015 Penal Code.

Also on April 17, criminal proceedings were taken against Van Huu Chien, Chairman of the Da Nang municipal People’s Committee from 2011 to 2014, for the same charges as Tran Van Minh. Chien, born in 1954 and residing in Hai Chau district, was banned from leaving his living place.

Meanwhile, criminal proceedings and house arrest orders were also issued for Nguyen Dieu (former Director of the Da Nang Department of Natural Resources and Environment, born in 1958 and residing in Thanh Khe district, Da Nang), Tran Van Toan (former Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Natural Resources and Environment, born in 1957 and residing in Hai Chau district, Da Nang), and Le Canh Duong (Director of Da Nang’s board for investment promotion and support, born in 1975 and residing in Hai Chau district). They were accused of “violating State regulations on land management”.

Earlier, the MoPS’s investigation police agency commenced criminal proceedings against Phan Van Anh Vu (also known as Vu “nhom”), born in 1975 and residing in Hai Chau district, and put him into temporary detention for four months to investigate him and other concerned persons and organisations for alleged violations in the purchase and sale of public-owned houses and land in Da Nang and some other provinces and cities. Vu also faced the charges of “deliberately disclosing state secrets” and “tax evasion.” 

Police is expanding the probe to clarify the responsibilities of people concerned.-VNA