On 20/5, the Ministry of Public Security announced the expanded investigation results of a case involving the Viet-Trung Mineral and Metallurgy Company Limited (VTM), handled by the Police Investigation Department for Corruption, Economic, and Smuggling Crimes.

Le Ngoc Hung and Do Truong Giang, former director of the Lao Cai Department of Industry and Trade, are under investigation for abusing their positions and powers while on duty. Separately, 4 years ago, Mr. Hung was also arrested in a case involving the illegal exploitation of apatite ore by Viet Nam Apatite One-Member Limited Company.

Le Ngoc Hung before his prosecution. Photo: TTX

C03 also prosecuted 16 individuals in the same case for violating regulations on state asset management and use, causing losses and waste. They are: Ngo Sy Hieu, Tran Trong Manh, both former Deputy General Directors of VTM; Do Van Cuong, former Chief Accountant of VTM; Nguyen Tuan Long, Tran Van Cuong, former Head of Sales for VTM; Mai Van Tinh, Dang Thuc Khang, Nguyen Minh Xuan, and Le Phu Hung, all former board members of Viet Nam Steel Corporation (VNS).

Also facing charges for the same offense are Dau Van Hung, former General Director of VNS; Nguyen Trong Khoi, Deputy General Director of VNS; Le Xuan Tuan, former Director of Lao Cai Mineral Company (LAMICO); Ta Quang Thieu, former General Director of VTM; Nguyen Duc Cuong, former Head of Investment Planning for VTM; Nguyen Chi Hung, General Director of INFISCO Investment Design Consulting and Services Joint Stock Company; and Tran Duy Ton, a specialist at the same company.

Nguyen Duy Dung, former Chief Accountant of VTM, and Trinh Khoi Nguyen, former Head of Investment Development for VNS and former Vice Chairman of VTM's Board of Members, were prosecuted for two offenses: violating regulations on state asset management and use, causing losses and waste; and lacking responsibility, resulting in damage to state, agency, organization, and enterprise assets.

Tran Tuan Dung, a member of VTM's Board of Members, is accused of lacking responsibility, causing damage to state, agency, organization, and enterprise assets.

Bui Sy Ngoc, Head of Materials for VTM, faces two charges: receiving bribes and lacking responsibility, causing damage to state, agency, organization, and enterprise assets. Meanwhile, Nguyen Ngoc Khiem is prosecuted for abusing his influence over individuals in positions of power for personal gain.

Bui Thanh Binh, General Director of VTM, has been additionally prosecuted for lacking responsibility, causing damage to state, agency, organization, and enterprise assets.

Some suspects in the case. Photo: Ministry of Public Security

Previously, in 6/2025, C03 had initiated prosecutions against numerous suspects in this case. The Ministry of Public Security stated that the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption, Waste, and Negativity is overseeing the investigation. The prosecutions align with a National Assembly resolution and a directive from General Secretary To Lam (now General Secretary and President), emphasizing the fight against waste, corruption, and negativity.

Authorities are currently investigating and gathering evidence to substantiate the suspects' criminal acts, identify any self-serving motives, and ensure the seizure, freezing, and full recovery of assets for the state.

VTM is a joint venture involving Viet Nam Steel Corporation, Lao Cai Mineral Company, and Kunming Iron and Steel Holding Company Limited. Established in 2006, the company operates in mining and steel production, overseeing several large-scale projects.