Vietnam Investigators Again Seek Trial in Absentia for Green Minh Chairman

Vietnamese investigators have again recommended prosecuting Nguyen Cong Minh in absentia, after completing a supplementary investigation into the Green Minh tree company case.

The Ministry of Public Security said on Sept. 7 that its investigative security agency had concluded the additional probe into alleged serious violations of bidding regulations, giving and receiving bribes, and related conduct at Green Minh and in provinces and cities. The agency issued supplementary investigation conclusion No. 22 and recommended prosecution of Minh, 53, the chairman of Green Minh Corporation's board.

Minh is wanted by authorities. Investigators urged him to surrender, saying he could receive legal leniency, and asked members of the public who locate or detain him to contact the ministry's investigative security agency in Hanoi.

An earlier investigation recommended prosecuting 35 defendants for serious bidding violations. Investigators say Minh fled abroad in 2023 and acted as the alleged mastermind, directing regional and branch managers and companies in his system to rig tenders, falsify documents, inflate material prices and use nominal bidders to improve their chances of winning contracts.

Minh founded a private ornamental plant and seed business in 2002. It changed its name to Green Minh in 2006. From 2017 through June 2023, he established or acquired 59 additional companies, creating a network of 60 firms operating across 38 former provinces and cities. Thirty-four won tenders, while some allegedly served as nominal competitors. Although legally separate, the companies operated under a corporation-style structure, investigators said.

Authorities estimate that the defendants caused the state losses of more than 395 billion dong. Minh is accused of personally receiving more than 254 billion dong through bank transfers. Before the supplementary investigation ended, officials issued 285 requests to value materials used in more than 1,220 projects won by companies in his network.