The Ministry of Public Security has clarified why former Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung and former Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh are not being criminally prosecuted in the case involving abuse of power and negligence that caused significant financial losses at the Ministry of Industry and Trade and other agencies.

Case overview

The investigation concerns decisions related to solar energy projects that resulted in financial harm to Vietnam Electricity (EVN).

Investigators have recommended prosecuting Hoang Quoc Vuong, a former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, and eight other defendants for abuse of power, alongside three individuals for negligence causing serious consequences.

The Nhon Hai Solar Farm, operational since July 6, 2020, sold electricity to EVN at a higher rate of 9.35 U.S. cents per kWh, generating a surplus payment of over VND 99 billion (approximately USD 4 million) compared to the standard rate of 7.09 U.S. cents per kWh.

Similarly, the Trung Thuan Nam Solar Plant, operating since October 1, 2020, sold electricity at 9.35 U.S. cents per kWh for a capacity of 227.88 MW. This resulted in a surplus payment of VND 944 billion (around USD 39.4 million) compared to the approved rate of 9.09 U.S. cents per kWh.

Combined, these actions caused over VND 1.043 trillion (approximately USD 43.5 million) in damages to EVN.

Investigation findings

Tran Tuan Anh: During his tenure as Minister of Industry and Trade (2016–2021), Tran Tuan Anh delegated authority to Hoang Quoc Vuong, who oversaw the Department of Electricity and Renewable Energy.

Vuong instructed the department to amend the draft Decision 13/2020/QD-TTg, expanding eligibility for preferential electricity pricing.

Tran Tuan Anh signed six submissions and reports recommending the Prime Minister approve Decision 13/2020/QD-TTg, unaware that Vuong’s adjustments violated Resolution 115/NQ-CP.

Investigators found no evidence that Tran Tuan Anh acted with corrupt intent or received illicit benefits. Consequently, he will not face criminal charges.

Trinh Dinh Dung: As Deputy Prime Minister, Trinh Dinh Dung was responsible for signing Decision 13/2020/QD-TTg.

Dung trusted the draft’s preparation, which was vetted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Justice, and the Government Office.

He was unaware that Article 5, Clause 3 of the decision contradicted Resolution 115/NQ-CP.

Investigators found no evidence that Dung received financial or material benefits in connection with the decision.

As such, criminal charges against Trinh Dinh Dung will not be pursued.

Mai Tien Dung: Mai Tien Dung, the former Minister and Head of the Government Office, signed two submissions proposing meetings on Decision 13/2020/QD-TTg and attended one chaired by Trinh Dinh Dung.

He did not personally direct the vetting process for the draft and was unaware of any violations.

Investigators also found no evidence of financial misconduct on Mai Tien Dung’s part. Consequently, no charges will be filed against him.

Hoang Quoc Vuong’s admission: Hoang Quoc Vuong admitted to receiving VND 1.5 billion (around USD 62,500) from Nguyen Tam Thinh, the CEO of Trung Nam Solar Power Company, and his staff. Vuong has returned the money.

However, investigators have not gathered sufficient evidence to fully establish the intent and actions related to these transactions. Further investigation will continue despite the current time constraints.

T. Nhung