5-5-2024 (HANOI) Vietnamese authorities have detained Mr. Mai Tien Dung, the former head of the government office, on suspicion of abuse of power, the Ministry of Public Security announced on May 4, amid a widening crackdown on corruption in the Southeast Asian nation.
Mr. Dung, 65, was arrested as part of an investigation into a bribery case in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, the ministry stated in a press release, noting that the arrest occurred on April 30.
Attempts to reach Mr. Dung for comment on the accusations levelled against him were unsuccessful.
The anti-graft crackdown, codenamed “blazing furnace” and initiated nearly a decade ago, has gained momentum in recent times, resulting in the prosecution or forced resignation of numerous senior officials and prominent corporate figures.
On May 2, the National Assembly voted to oust its chairman, Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue, following the removal of the country’s president, Mr. Vo Van Thuong, in March.
Both Mr. Hue and Mr. Thuong faced public allegations of unspecified violations and deficiencies. Neither has publicly responded to the charges brought against them.
While the announcement on May 4 did not specify Mr. Dung’s alleged offences, state media reported that his arrest was linked to a real estate project in Lam Dong province.
Mr. Dung held the position of head of the government office from 2016 to 2021 under then-Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
Mr. Phuc assumed the presidency of Vietnam in April 2021 but resigned less than two years later due to “violations and wrongdoing” by officials under his jurisdiction.
