Tô Anh Dũng (left), and Nguyễn Quang Linh (right), two former officials accused of taking bribes. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — More than 50 people have been prosecuted in connection with the repatriation flights scandal at the heart of the COVID pandemic.

The Supreme People's Procuracy of Việt Nam announced an indictment to prosecute 54 suspects accused of bribery, abuse of power while performing official duties and fraudulent appropriation of property that occurred at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Hà Nội and other localities.

This group is accused of exploiting repatriation flights during the COVID-19 outbreak for personal gain.

In total, 21 individuals are alleged to have received bribes of nearly VNĐ180 billion (US$7.6 million) during the document completion process.

The defendants are accused of taking advantage of the pandemic, disregarded regulations to make a profit which caused Việt Nam's reputation to decline.

In addition, during the investigation, two police officers are also accused of receiving millions of dollars to manipulate the case and commit fraud. This has caused property damage, reduced the credibility of state and prosecuting agencies.

Already, 18 people have been prosecuted by the Supreme People's Procuracy for taking bribes under Clause 4, Article 354 of the Penal Code.

These include former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tô Anh Dũng; former Director of the Consular Department, Nguyễn Thị Hương Lan; former Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, Chử Xuân Dũng; and former Vice Chairman of the Quảng Nam People's Committee, Trần Văn Tân. — VNS