The trial concerning the alleged waste of 803 billion dong across two projects for Bach Mai Hospital and Viet Duc Hospital's second facility, involving former Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien and other former Ministry of Health officials, began on the morning of 20/5 at the Hanoi People's Court.
According to the indictment, following initial irregularities in the direct appointment of a familiar foreign design consulting firm without proper surveys, the Project Management Board continued to commit violations during contractor appraisal, selection, and package implementation. These actions led to a loss of over 733,5 billion dong.
During today's court session, Nguyen Chien Thang, former Deputy Director of the Medical Equipment and Construction Department and concurrent Director of the Project Management Board, was questioned by the presiding judge about his stance on the attributed damages.
Thang described the damage figure as "extremely heavy" for himself and his subordinates. He stated that at the time, his focus was solely on project implementation, and he was unaware of any wrongdoing. He added that he did not make any specific decisions that he thought would cause such significant losses.
Thang explained that during that period, there were numerous regulations, where "one item was correct, but another was wrong", making him unaware of his errors. "Had I known it was wrong, I wouldn't have done it," he said.
The presiding judge then challenged him: "You were the head of the board, responsible for technical construction. If you didn't read the legal documents at the time, what exactly were you doing?"
Thang responded that he could not familiarize himself with everything because many aspects were beyond his professional capacity.
The trial panel urged Thang to be honest when claiming "ignorance," and then reread his testimony from the investigation phase and at court, asking him to "reconsider."
Previously, Thang had admitted that the decision to hire the foreign consulting firm VK stemmed from a "suggestion" by former Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, despite no survey being conducted.
Even when VK failed to provide documents proving its capacity and experience, Thang approved the procedures to directly appoint the company for design consulting.
"You claim to realize your mistake only now, so why did you insist on applying specific prices and conditions for VK to undertake the project at that cost? Were there any circulars or guidelines stipulating such a pricing method that you still submitted for the minister's signature?" the presiding judge inquired.
The former deputy director admitted his error but stated he did not report it to the minister, instead continuing with the implemented plan.
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Nguyen Chien Thang, Director of the Ministry of Health's Key Project Management Board, testifies at court. Photo: Thanh Lam |
Nguyen Chien Thang, Director of the Ministry of Health's Key Project Management Board, testifies at court. Photo: Thanh Lam
Contractors 'voluntarily' brought 88 billion dong in bribes
In addition to the charge of violating regulations on state asset management and use, causing loss and waste, Thang is also indicted for bribery.
His actions came to light after ten contractors submitted complaints to the investigation agency, all alleging the same issue: after winning bids, Thang demanded 5% of the payment value.
The contractors explained that they were compelled to pay the requested amount to ensure favorable conditions and avoid difficulties during construction, payment, and final settlement processes.
Investigative authorities determined that the total amount Thang received was 88,5 billion dong. This "commission cut," according to the indictment, continued under Thang's successor. Many cash deliveries occurred directly in his office.
In court today, Thang denied making demands to contractors, claiming that businesses "voluntarily brought the money."
The presiding judge immediately challenged him: "If they brought it and you didn't want to accept it, why didn't you say this was illegal money and refuse it? No one just spontaneously brings money if it isn't demanded."
Upon hearing the question, Thang hesitated before responding: "Yes, that's why I am standing here today."
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Former Minister Kim Tien and other defendants at court. Photo: Thanh Lam |
Former Minister Kim Tien and other defendants at court. Photo: Thanh Lam
Thang claims he gave former minister Kim Tien nearly 15 billion dong
According to the People's Procuracy, Nguyen Chien Thang testified that after receiving money from contractors, he gave former Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien a total of 12,9 billion dong and 100,000 USD.
Furthermore, Thang claimed to have spent nearly 8,2 billion dong on three subordinates at the Project Management Board; 500 million dong as New Year gifts for Ministry of Health leaders; over 5,5 billion dong for several individuals at the Ministry of Health's Key Project Board; over 6 billion dong to remunerate officials and board leaders; 900 million dong for general activities; 2,4 billion dong for several individuals across various ministries and sectors; and 1,6 billion dong for some units within the Ministry of Health.
Conversely, Nguyen Thi Kim Tien stated she only received 2,5 billion dong from Thang, not the 12,9 billion dong and 100,000 USD as Thang claimed.
The indictment notes that Tien claimed she "was not informed of the origin of the money" when she received it. During confrontations at the investigation agency, Thang maintained his testimony regarding the amount given, while Tien maintained her testimony regarding the amount received.
Despite this, during the investigation, the former minister voluntarily submitted 14,5 billion dong to remedy the consequences.
The indictment also states that from the total of over 88 billion dong received from contractors, Thang was identified as having exchanged 2 million USD in cash to "run interference" when the Central Inspection Committee investigated signs of wrongdoing in the project.
Thang gave this money to Le Thanh Thiem, Director of Sao Nam Song Hong Co., Ltd., but the attempt to "handle the matter" was unsuccessful.
Investigative authorities determined that Thiem used all the money for personal purposes and is currently prosecuted for fraud and appropriation of property.
The trial continues.
