On the afternoon of 2/7, at a press conference on the results of the Ministry of Public Security's work in the first six months of the year, a representative from the Investigation Police Agency Office (C01) announced that 47 individuals had been indicted on five charges: violating bidding regulations causing serious consequences, violating accounting regulations causing serious consequences, embezzlement of assets, giving bribes, and receiving bribes.

The violations are linked to a criminal case at the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT), PC1 Group, and related entities.

A C01 leader provides information about the case. *Photo: Pham Du*

According to C01, the 500kV circuit 3 power line project, with EVNNPT as its investor, had numerous violations during its implementation. EVNNPT and the contractors committed violations in preparing and approving estimates, developing tender documents, organizing bidding, and conducting acceptance and settlement. Contractors also committed violations while implementing various project items.

Thirteen companies were identified as involved, including: EVNNPT, Northern, Central Power Projects Management Board, PC1, Dong Anh Steel Pole Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Tan Phat Mineral Joint Stock Company, Song Da 11 Joint Stock Company, Power Construction and Installation One Member Limited Company 4, and Power Construction Consulting Joint Stock Companies 1, 2, 3, 4.

During the investigation, C01 seized 45.8 billion VND, 1 million USD, and temporarily suspended and froze securities accounts with a total value of approximately 1,756 billion VND.

PC1 Chairman Trinh Van Tuan. *Photo: PC1*

Previously, based on unusual information self-disclosed by the companies, a series of senior personnel from PC1 Group Joint Stock Company and Power Construction Consulting Joint Stock Companies 1, 2, 3, 4 had been indicted.

EVNNPT states on its website that it is a member unit of Vietnam Electricity (EVN), the sole state-owned enterprise tasked with developing and operating the national power transmission system. By the end of 2025, EVNNPT will manage and operate over 33,400 km of power lines, including 12,335 km of 500kV lines and 21,070 km of 220kV lines.

With a team of over 6,900 skilled officials, engineers, and workers, the enterprise also manages and operates 222 substations.