Vietnam courts schedule trials for petroleum fund embezzlement and state asset mismanagement

The Hanoi People's Court has scheduled two separate high-profile trials involving allegations of corruption and mismanagement in Vietnam.

Chu Thi Thanh, Chairwoman of Thien Minh Duc Group, is set to stand trial on November 2 for embezzlement of over 79 billion VND from a petroleum stabilization fund and illegal trading of invoices. Prosecutors allege that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Thanh directed subordinates to sell fuel without VAT invoices at lower prices to generate quick cash for company projects rather than contributing to the stabilization fund. Several former executives and employees of Thien Minh Duc Group will also be tried.

Separately, former Vice Chairman of the Thanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee, Le Duc Giang, along with 10 accomplices, will face trial on October 29. The charges include violating regulations on the management and use of state assets causing loss and waste, illegal resource exploitation, accounting violations, and tax evasion. The proceedings involve various officials and representatives from mineral and construction companies.