Transport minister ordered to explain role in corruption case in Vietnam

Minister of Transport Dao Dinh Binh and three deputies were ordered to explain their responsibility in overseeing a senior official involved in a high-profile corruption case, state-controlled media reported Tuesday.

Photo: Transport minister ordered to explain role in corruption case in Vietnam

Binh and deputies Nguyen Viet Tien, Ngo Thinh Duc and Pham Duy Anh were required to carry out self-criticism sessions Monday to explain their responsibility in the case involving Bui Tien Dung, who was general director of a key transport division, the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper said.

Dung, who managed several major infrastructure projects, was arrested in January for allegedly placing US$7 million in illegal bets on European soccer. Police are still investigating whether state funds were used.

The four reviewed their responsibilities in managing staff, finance and relevant responsibility relating to the wrongdoing in Dung's unit, it said.

Their self-criticism reports were submitted to Prime Minister Phan Van Khai for review, the newspaper quoted Pham Tang Loc, the ministry's director of personnel, as saying.

Vice Minister Tien, who was summoned for questioning by police for four days, admitted some responsibility, but denied that he was directly involved in the case, the newspaper said.

Meanwhile, the newspaper quoted Phan Dien, a member of the powerful Politburo, as saying the party and government are determined to punish those involved in the case regardless of what positions they hold.

"Through the case, we can see very serious degradation of ethics and lifestyle of a number of cadres and party members, including some who hold high positions," he said, reports the AP.

I.L.