Two ex-ministers accused of receiving bribes in AVG-MobiFone deal
Two former ministers accused of receiving bribes in AVG-MobiFone deal
Two former Ministers of Information and Communications, Nguyen Bac Son and his successor Truong Minh Tuan, have been accused of receiving a large amount of bribes in the case of MobiFone purchasing 95 percent of shares of the Audio Visual Global JSC (AVG).
Nguyen Bac Son (L) and Truong Minh Tuan (Source: portal of the Ministry of Public Security)
Hanoi (VNA) – Two former Ministersof Information and Communications, Nguyen Bac Son and his successor Truong MinhTuan, have been accused of receiving a large amount of bribes in the case ofMobiFone purchasing 95 percent of shares of the Audio VisualGlobal JSC (AVG).
The Supreme People’s Procuracy announced on September 3 thatit had received a document from the Investigation Police Department under theMinistry of Public Security presenting the outcomes of investigation into thecase and requesting the prosecution of those two former ministers along with 12other suspects on several charges.
Accordingto the investigation outcomes, Son received 3 millionUSD from the then AVG Chairman Pham Nhat Vu after approving the illegalinvestment in the deal, which caused a loss of over 6.47 trillion VND (289.82million USD) to the State.
It concluded that Son was the headmaster of the case, makinguse of his position and power to instruct his subordinates to handle the dealbetween Mobifone and AVG and issue decision to approve investment in violationof regulations.
The police proposed prosecuting Son (who has retired), Tuan (whowas removed from his position as MIC minister and 11 other suspects including adirector of the MIC’s Department of Enterprises Management, eight executivesand employees of MobiFone and two of AMAX investmentconsultancy and valuation company, on the charge of “violating regulationson the management and use of public capital causing serious consequences” under Article 220, Clause 4 of the 2015 CriminalCode.
Besides, the two former ministers and two senior MobiFoneofficials – Cao Duy Hai and Le Nam Tra, were also accused of receiving moneyfrom Vu after assisting with the quick completion of the deal at Vu’s request.
The 14th suspect, former AVG Chairman Pham Nhat Vuwas accused of giving bribes.
The AVG deal happened inDecember 2015. As the Government began to investigate the deal lastyear, Mobifone and AVG decided to terminate the transfer of 344.66 millionshares and refund each other the amount received under the agreement. The Government Inspectorate however said thatanyone responsible for the deal “must bear their due responsibility” despiteits being cancelled.-VNA
The Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee on July 12 issued a warning as a disciplinary measure against Truong Minh Tuan, member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and MIC Minister.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc decided to give a warning to Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan on July 18 as a disciplinary measure for his violations at the ministry.
President Tran Dai Quang on July 23 signed a decision on the suspension of Truong Minh Tuan from his position as the Minister of Information and Communications.
Former Ministers of Information and Communications Nguyen Bac Son and Truong Minh Tuan were prosecuted and put into custody on February 23 with the accusation of violating provisions on the public investment capital management and use and causing serious consequences.
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Nguyen Bac Son (L) and Truong Minh Tuan (Source: portal of the Ministry of Public Security) 
