Former Vietnamese Deputy Minister Faces 12-13 Year Sentence for Bribery

A Hanoi court has heard prosecutors recommend a 12-13 year prison sentence for former Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs Nguyen Ba Hoan. He is accused of accepting bribes exceeding 16 billion dong (approximately $630,000 USD) as part of a scheme to facilitate labor export licenses.

Prosecutors allege that Hoan and his subordinates deliberately delayed processing applications, forcing businesses to pay "grease money" to secure permits. Former director of the Overseas Labor Management Department, Tong Hai Nam, faces the highest proposed sentence of 15-16 years for his alleged role. Eight other former ministry officials also face charges of bribery, with recommended sentences ranging from probation to four years.

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If there was no money, it certainly wouldn't be smooth.

According to the indictment, Hoan and Nam directed subordinates to prolong vetting processes, leading to over 30 billion dong in illicit payments. Hoan allegedly received over 16 billion dong, while Nam received more than 14 billion dong. Prosecutors stated that the officials' actions caused significant damage to state revenue and eroded public trust in the labor export sector. They emphasized the need for a strict sentence for Hoan, as the former head of the national labor export administration, to serve as a deterrent.

During the trial, the accused officials claimed they were merely improving safety standards and assisting businesses, not engaging in extortion. They argued that companies misunderstood procedural changes and offered money as gifts. Hoan admitted to receiving some money but maintained it was for gifts, not bribes, and that he acted within regulations. However, testimony from business representatives contradicted these claims, with some stating that payments were necessary for timely processing, and delays could extend for years without them. One company executive testified that even with existing connections, payments were still required.

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The situation of 'soliciting' has been going on for many years.