On the afternoon of 2/7, Colonel Pham Manh Hung, deputy director of the Economic Security Department (A04) under the Ministry of Public Security, announced a 40 billion dong fraud and bribery scheme. The scheme, which targeted social housing applicants, was allegedly led by Le Trung Tien, general director of Star Homes Real Estate Joint Stock Company. The announcement was made during a press conference detailing police work for the first 6 months of the year, where Hung also revealed investigations into 4 related social housing cases. The crimes under investigation include: fraudulent appropriation of property, giving bribes, bribery brokerage, receiving bribes, forging agency documents, and intentionally disclosing work secrets.

According to Hung, the suspects established companies to offer illegal brokerage and consulting services for social housing. They targeted individuals seeking social housing, promising "diplomatic slots" and expedited procedures. The group then signed service consulting contracts or collected deposits, ultimately appropriating funds.

Le Trung Tien, general director of Star Homes Real Estate Joint Stock Company. Photo: Hanoi Police

Le Trung Tien, general director of Star Homes Real Estate Joint Stock Company. Photo: Hanoi Police

Initial investigations confirm that Tien's group, operating through disguised service consulting contracts, defrauded 40 billion dong from prospective social housing buyers by falsely promising "diplomatic slots."

Tien is also identified as the mastermind behind a bribery network designed to fast-track verification documents for social housing eligibility. A04 determined that suspects encouraged people to purchase these verification documents, with expedited processing fees ranging from 5 to 30 million dong.

To facilitate quick document issuance, Tien collaborated with officials from Hanoi's Public Administrative Service Center, branch 6. Between 10/2025 and early 2026, Tien and his accomplices arranged with brokers to rapidly process over 100 verification documents.

A04 identified Tran Thi Ngoc and Bui Thi Duy Thanh as part of the bribery brokerage group. The two officials accused of receiving bribes are Nguyen Hong Nhung and Nguyen Song Hien, both from the Long Bien Land Registration Office.

Colonel Pham Manh Hung, deputy director of A04, provides information on the social housing case. Photo: Pham Du

Colonel Pham Manh Hung, deputy director of A04, provides information on the social housing case. Photo: Pham Du

Public struggles to access social housing information

Hung stated that current social housing transaction processes contain numerous loopholes that enable criminal activity. A primary issue is the inadequate public disclosure and transparency of information regarding social housing purchase procedures in some areas. This lack of official information forces residents to seek out illegal intermediary and brokerage services, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

Furthermore, the verification and appraisal processes for applicants, income, and residency requirements are lax in certain stages, lacking sufficient inspection and oversight. This critical weakness facilitates document forgery.

Hung advised residents against paying deposits, signing reservation consulting contracts, or transferring money to brokers for "diplomatic slots." He urged anyone interested in purchasing social housing to thoroughly research official information to avoid being defrauded.