HCMC’s former vice chairwoman arrested for power abuse

Hong, 69, was arrested on Monday for violations involving the Vietnam Rubber Industry Group, Dong Nai Rubber Company, Ba Ria Rubber Company, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and other related entities, police announced Monday.

She was also involved in violations at a construction site on Ben Van Don Street, District 4.

Hong used to serve as HCMC’s Director of the Department of Finance before being elected Vice Chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee in 2006. She retired after nine years in office.

Alongside Hong, the Ministry of Public Security’s officers also arrested Tran Ngoc Thuan, former member of the Members’ Council and General Director of the Vietnam Rubber Industry Group, on allegations of accepting bribes; Vo Sy Luc, former Chairman of the Members’ Council of the Vietnam Rubber Industry Group, and Tran Thoai, member of the Members’ Council and Deputy General Director of the Vietnam Rubber Industry Group, for allegedly violating regulations on the management and use of state assets causing loss and waste.

(From L) Tran Ngoc Thuan, Nguyen Thi Hong, Vo Sy Luc, Tran Thoai are arrested for violations involving Vietnam Rubber Industry Group. Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Public Security

A total of 16 individuals have been put under investigation for violations involving Vietnam Rubber Industry Group.

On May 23, Le Quang Thung, former general director and acting Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Vietnam Rubber Industry Group, and Huynh Trung Truc, former Deputy General Director of the Vietnam Rubber Industry Group, were arrested for violating regulations on the management and use of state assets causing loss and waste.

On May 28, Doan Ngoc Phuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Land Planning and Development and Chairman of the Asset Valuation Council in Criminal Proceedings under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, was arrested for accepting bribes.

Cao Dai Nghia, Deputy Head of the Land Pricing Department, and Khuong Thanh Tung, Director of Thang Long Inspection and Valuation JSC, were arrested for abusing their position and authority while performing official duties.