The People’s Court of Hanoi has opened today the trial against former security officers namely Bui Van Thanh and Tran Viet Tan for influence peddling charges.

Former public security deputy minister Bui Van Thanh. Photo: VNE

Lieutenant General Bui Van Thanh, former deputy minister of the Ministry of Public Security, has been accused of allowing illegal sales of government properties, while Senior Lieutenant General Tran Viet Tan allegedly created the conditions for illicit activities to take place.

Their involvement in real estate projects owned by property tycoon Phan Van Anh Vu, aka Vu nhom, caused a loss worth VND1.15 trillion (US$50 million) to the state budget.

Senior Lieutenant General Tran Viet Tan (centre). Photo: Soha

The pair are among Vietnamese high-ranking officials brought to justice recently in the context that Vietnam is pushing the crackdown on corruption and the security establishment underwent reshuffle in 2018. 

Bringing to justice senior officials, especially high-ranking armed force officers, somewhat indicates Vietnam’s efforts to regain people’s trust in the political system. 

If the government can purge corruption, it could be a boon for foreign investment, which grew by some 9% last year.

Hanoitimes