Economic violations worth VNĐ41.8 trillion (US$1.84 billion) and misuse of 168ha of land were discovered in the first quarter this year. — Photo zing.vn

HÀ NỘI – Economic violations worth VNĐ41.8 trillion (US$1.84 billion) and misuse of 168ha of land were discovered in the first quarter this year, Deputy Chief of the Government Inspectorate (GI), Ngô Văn Khánh, told reporters at a press conference in Hà Nội yesterday.

Of the VNĐ41.821 trillion relating to economic violations, VNĐ33.3 trillion ($1.46 billion) was discovered in administrative inspections and VNĐ8.521 trillion ($375 million) was uncovered in inspections at specific sectors.

In the first quarter this year, the GI conducted 1,885 administrative inspections and 36,580 inspections in specific sectors, Khánh said.

In the banking sector alone, inspectors uncovered violations worth over VND4.19 trillion (US$184.5 million).

The inspectors also suggested administrative punishments for 259 individuals and institutions, and imposed 26,331 administrative fines worth VNĐ6.9 trillion ($303.6 million).

In terms of anti-corruption activity, inspections were conducted in 762 agencies nationwide and eight were found violating regulations on transparency. The inspectors found three cases relating to corruption in the provinces of Sóc Trăng, An Giang and Hà Giang.

The GI said during the first quarter this year, administrative agencies at all levels dealt with more than 4,500 people’s complaints. Thanks to the activity, compensation to people and payments to the State Budget reached VNĐ 6.1 trillion ($268 million).

The GI also carried out inspections in PetroVietnam Contruction Joint Stock Corporation (PVC), Mobifone Corporation, Vietnam Coal and Minerals Group.

The inspection in the Mobifone Corporation was completed a while ago but the findings have not been released, admitted Khánh. “The reason is that the inspection might be done again to ensure an accurate and objective conclusion,” he said.

“In the case of PVC, the GI in co-operation with the Ministry of Public Affairs conducted inspections to uncover faults in the corporation,” he said. “The inspection has been completed and conclusion were being processed”, Khánh said.

In the case of the Vietnam Coal and Minerals Group, the inspection was also completed a long time ago but the GI had to co-operate with relevant offices, such as ministries of Industry and Commerce and Finance to reach a final conclusion, Khánh said.

In the next quarter, the GI will carry out special inspections related to the use of public land in prime locations in large cities, including Hà Nội, HCM City, Đà Nẵng, Cần Thơ and Khánh Hòa Province. It also aims close scrutiny of those lands used in the past by the military but are now being used for other purposes. — VNS