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Two former members of Vietnam’s National Assembly went on trial for corruption on Tuesday, state media reported, the latest prosecutions in a sweeping anti-graft campaign known as the “blazing furnace”.
Luu Binh Nhuong, 61, is accused of extortion and taking advantage of his position and power to influence others for personal gain, under articles 170 and 358 of the criminal code. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years or life in prison.
Prosecutors say Nhuong abused his position as deputy head of the National Assembly’s petition committee. They say he called the deputy director of the province’s police to ask him to turn a blind eye while gangsters extorted money from businesses. He also allegedly used his position to receive a wire transfer for US$300,000.
Fellow parliamentary delegate Le Thanh Van, 60, is accused of conspiring with Nhuong to commit fraud. Prosecutors say he signed four documents allowing him to benefit from the sale of land worth more than $70,000 and earn a further $77,000 from a land project.
In July 2023, Van allegedly asked leaders of Quang Ninh province to help the Truong Sinh Company get a license to develop land in the Bac Son valley, benefitting to the sum of $2,300. He is being prosecuted under article 358 of the criminal code and faces a maximum 20 years or life in prison.
Nhuong was arrested in November 2023 and Van in July 2024 and both have been held in detention since then.
Three other people are being tried in connection with the case: Nguyen Van Vuong, 49, a former specialist in the legal department of the office of the president; Pham Minh Cuong, 39, who has three previous convictions; and Vu Dang Phuong, 43. Vuong is accused of abusing his position and power to influence others for personal gain. Cuong and Phuong are accused of extortion. All three are serving sentences for other crimes.
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The Communist Party’s “blazing furnace” campaign, aimed at weeding out corruption in the party and the business world, has led to the prosecution of hundreds of political and business people.
However, some critics say the campaign has also been used by leaders in the party to go after rivals.
Nhuong was a member of the 14th National Assembly of Vietnam for the 2016-2021 term and a member of the National Assembly’s Social Affairs Committee. He is currently deputy head of the National Assembly’s People’s Petitions but was not recommended for re-election because of his age..
During the November 2018 parliamentary session Nhuong criticized the public security ministry, formerly headed by Communist Party General Secretary To Lam. He also said the police had made “terrible mistakes.”
Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn.