Prosecutors Seek Trial in Absentia for Chairman of Công Minh Greenery Company

Vietnamese investigators have asked for Nguyễn Công Minh, chairman of Công Minh Greenery Company, to be prosecuted in absentia after completing a supplementary investigation into alleged bidding violations and bribery.

The Ministry of Public Security said the investigation concluded on September 4 and that it issued supplementary investigation conclusions in the case. Minh, 54, is from Hà Tĩnh. Investigators called on the wanted suspect to surrender, saying he could receive legal leniency. They also said anyone may arrest a wanted person and immediately hand him over to the nearest police agency, procuracy or local People’s Committee.

Investigators determined that Công Minh Greenery Company colluded with investors to participate in setting tender prices from the project-planning stage. After contract prices were approved, the company allegedly secured appointments as the winning bidder or used other legal entities within its system to bid and win contracts.

The head of the Ministry of Public Security’s Investigation Security Department said the company won more than 600 tenders in localities across Vietnam, with a combined value exceeding 3.5 trillion dong. More than 3 trillion dong had been settled.

Five asset-valuation councils have issued findings covering 100 projects involving the planting and maintenance of greenery. The investigation says those projects caused nearly 100 billion dong in losses to the state. Police also initially determined that the company had established more than 40 companies and six operating regions across the country.