Police have launched investigations into 41 people and seized VNĐ80 billion (US$3.4 million) allegedly involved in wrongdoings related to repatriation flights during the COVID-19 pandemic. — Photo danviet.vn

HÀ NỘI — The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security's investigation agency has initiated investigations into nine individuals, including a former staff member of the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia, for suspected wrongdoings related to repatriation flights during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This latest development comes as part of a broader investigation into alleged bribery, abuse of power, and asset appropriation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in Hà Nội and other regions.

The former embassy staff member in question, Đặng Minh Phương, born in 1985, has been prohibited from leaving his place of residence, and the police have searched his house. Phương is being investigated for "abusing positions and power while performing duties" under Article 356 of the Penal Code.

As the investigation into the alleged wrongdoings related to repatriation flights during the COVID-19 pandemic continues, police have announced that they are enquiring into and searching the residences and workplaces of seven directors from different companies.

Among the suspects, one individual has been placed under temporary detention, and they are all accused of "offering bribes" under Article 364 of the Penal Code. Additionally, a freelancer has been charged with "brokering bribes" under Article 365 of the Penal Code.

These decisions have been approved by the Supreme People's Procuracy.

During a press conference on February 2, Lt. Gen. Tô Ân Xô, the spokesman for the Ministry of Public Security, stated that the police had initiated investigations into a total of 41 individuals and had seized VNĐ80 billion (approximately US$3.4 million) allegedly linked to the wrongdoings relating to the repatriations flights during the COVID-19 pandemic. — VNS