Police detain seven officials as probe on Phan Van Anh Vu expands

Police have put seven people into temporary detention for their alleged involvement in the case of Phan Van Anh Vu, who was charged with “deliberately disclosing state secrets”, “tax evasion”, and “abusing position and power while performing duties.” 
Former chairman of Danang People's Committee  Tran Van Minh -Photo: SGGP
Former chairman of Danang People's Committee Tran Van Minh -Photo: SGGP

According to the Ministry of Public Security’s (MoPS) announcement, the investigation police agency on Tuesday issued decisions to commence criminal proceedings against and take into custody Phan Huu Tuan, 63, former Deputy Director General of the MoPS’s General Department of Intelligence, and 55-year-old Nguyen Huu Bach, an officer of the MoPS. They are accused of deliberately disclosing state secrets.

Earlier the same day, President Tran Dai Quang signed a decision to strip Tuan of the title “People’s Public Security officer”. Minister of Public Security Tô Lâm also signed a decision to strip Bach of the same title.

The police also launched criminal proceedings against and put into detention Tran Văn Minh, 63, former chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang City for allegedly violating regulations on the management and use of State asset and breaches in land management.

Also yesterday, criminal proceedings were taken against Van Huu Chien, former chairman of the Danang People’s Committee, for the same charges as Minh. Sixty-four-year-old Chiến, residing in Hai Chau District, was banned from leaving his residence. 

Mr. Van Huu Chien

Meanwhile, criminal proceedings and house arrest orders were also issued for Nguyen Đieu, 60, former Director of the Đà Nẵng Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Tran Van Toan, 61, former Deputy Director of the Đà Nẵng Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and 43-year-old Le Canh Duong, director of Đà Nẵng Board for Investment Promotion and Support. They were accused of “violating State regulations on land management”. 

Earlier, police initiated an investigation against 43-year-old Đà Nẵng citizen Phan Van Anh Vu, nicknamed Vu nhom, for alleged breaches in the purchase and sale of public-owned houses and land in Đà Nẵng and some other provinces and cities.

Police are expanding the probe to clarify the responsibilities of the people involved. — VNS, SGGP

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