Thanh Hoa officials implicated in Quang Thanh project bribery case

An investigation by the Thanh Hoa Provincial Police has concluded, recommending the prosecution of 22 defendants involved in corruption surrounding the Quang Thanh Project land auction. The case centers on Cao Tien Doan, Director of Dong A Real Estate Group, who allegedly bribed several officials to ensure his company won the 255 billion VND auction for a residential project.

The investigation revealed that the scheme originated from a need to secure funding for the Thanh Hoa Football Club. Former Provincial Party Secretary Do Trong Hung and former Provincial People's Committee Chairman Do Minh Tuan allegedly directed subordinates to facilitate the auction win for Doan’s company. Cao Tien Doan reportedly provided 150,000 USD to Do Trong Hung and a combination of 20,000 USD and 1.5 billion VND to Do Minh Tuan; both officials have since returned the funds. The investigation into the two former leaders will be handled separately.

Other officials were also implicated in receiving bribes. Former Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Thi allegedly received 200,000 USD, though he reportedly attempted to return the money and influence the reporting of the transaction. Additionally, former Vice Chairman of Thanh Hoa City Le Mai Khanh received 4.8 billion VND, part of which was transferred to former Thanh Hoa City Party Secretary Le Anh Xuan, who reportedly benefited from a total of 2.8 billion VND and 20,000 USD.