HANOI, VIETNAM – In a significant development that has captured public attention, the Director of the Vietnam Food Safety Department, Ms. Tran Viet Nga, has been arrested on charges of accepting bribes. The Police Investigation Agency of the Ministry of Public Security officially confirmed on Saturday that it has initiated criminal proceedings and ordered the pre-trial detention of Ms. Nga.
The arrest marks a serious escalation in what appears to be a widening investigation into corruption within government regulatory bodies. As the head of the Food Safety Department, a key agency under the Ministry of Health, Ms. Nga was responsible for overseeing the safety and quality of food products consumed by millions across the nation.
According to the official announcement, the charge against Ms. Nga is "Accepting Bribes" under Vietnam's Penal Code. While specific details of the alleged offenses have not yet been made public, authorities have stated that the case is currently undergoing an expanded investigation. The aim is to clarify the full extent of the misconduct and identify other individuals and organizations that may be involved in the bribery scheme.
The news has caused a significant stir among the public, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the food safety regulation process in Vietnam. The case highlights ongoing challenges in the country's fight against corruption, particularly among high-ranking officials in positions of public trust.
The Ministry of Health has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the arrest of one of its senior department heads. The investigation is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with potential implications for food safety policies and personnel within the ministry. Authorities have assured the public that they are committed to a thorough and transparent investigation to bring all wrongdoings to light.
