Two former ministers accused of receiving bribes in AVG-MobiFone deal

The Supreme People’s Procuracy announced on September 3 that it had received a document from the Investigation Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security presenting the outcomes of investigation into the case and requesting the prosecution of those two former ministers along with 12 other suspects on several charges.  

According to the investigation outcomes, Son received 3 million USD from the then AVG Chairman Pham Nhat Vu after approving the illegal investment in the deal, which caused a loss of over 6.47 trillion VND (289.82 million USD) to the State.

It concluded that Son was the headmaster of the case, making use of his position and power to instruct his subordinates to handle the deal between Mobifone and AVG and issue decision to approve investment in violation of regulations.

The police proposed prosecuting Son (who has retired), Tuan (who was removed from his position as MIC minister and 11 other suspects including a director of the MIC’s Department of Enterprises Management, eight executives and employees of MobiFone and two of AMAX investment consultancy and valuation company, on the charge of “violating regulations on the management and use of public capital causing serious consequences” under Article 220, Clause 4 of the 2015 Criminal Code.

Besides, the two former ministers and two senior MobiFone officials – Cao Duy Hai and Le Nam Tra, were also accused of receiving money from Vu after assisting with the quick completion of the deal at Vu’s request. 

The 14th suspect, former AVG Chairman Pham Nhat Vu was accused of giving bribes.  

The AVG deal happened in December 2015. As the Government began to investigate the deal last year, Mobifone and AVG decided to terminate the transfer of 344.66 million shares and refund each other the amount received under the agreement.
The Government Inspectorate however said that anyone responsible for the deal “must bear their due responsibility” despite its being cancelled.