Nghe An: Deputy Director and 2 inspectors of Vehicle Inspection Center 37-09D arrested.

Implementing the Nghe An Provincial Police's plan to prevent and combat economic crimes, corruption, and negative practices at vehicle inspection centers in Nghe An province, the Vinh City Police established a special case, assigning the Economic Police Team to lead the investigation into the "giving and receiving bribes" occurring at these centers.Vehicle Inspection Center 37-09DBelongs to Xuan Tung Trading and Service Joint Stock Company (address: Block 9, Quan Bau Ward, Vinh City, Nghe An Province).

Vinh City police read out the emergency search warrant for the 37-09D Motor Vehicle Inspection Center. Photo: Minh Khoi

The investigation process involved the simultaneous application of various professional measures and, under the direction of the Director, Deputy Director, and Head of the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Provincial Police, at 10:05 AM on February 16th, the Criminal Investigation Agency of Vinh City Police cracked the case, conducting an urgent search of the 37-09D Motor Vehicle Inspection Center and seizing numerous related documents and evidence.

Authorities conducted a search of the 37-09D Motor Vehicle Inspection Center. Photo: Minh Khoi

Accordingly, three individuals were arrested for the crime of "Giving and receiving bribes" as stipulated in Article 354 of the Penal Code, including: Nguyen Tien Hoa (born in 1983), residing in Xuan Duc hamlet, Nghi Duc commune, Vinh city, Deputy Director of the Vehicle Inspection Center and Head of the inspection line; Nguyen Ngoc Thach (born in 1991), residing in Hamlet 1, Quynh Hung commune, Quynh Luu district, an inspector; and Cao Xuan Dat (born in 1988), residing in Hamlet 3, Dien An commune, Dien Chau district, an inspector.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Hoa, Deputy Director and Head of the Inspection Line at the 37-09D Motor Vehicle Inspection Center. Photo: Minh Khoi

Vehicle Inspection Center 37But09D was granted a Certificate of Eligibility to operate motor vehicle inspection services by the Vietnam Registering Agency on April 26, 2021. Initial investigations determined that from the time of operation until their arrest, during the process of inspecting motor vehicles at the 37-09D Motor Vehicle Inspection Center, the suspects colluded with "brokers" and directly received money ranging from 100,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND per vehicle to overlook violations such as: failure to meet emission standards, worn tires, faulty brakes, and incorrect vehicle lights.

Depending on the violation, in addition to the fees stipulated by the State, the individuals receiving bribes ranged from 100,000 to 1,000,000 VND. Cao Xuan Dat collected the bribe money and distributed it to relevant members of the 37-09D Motor Vehicle Inspection Center at the end of the week.

Currently, the investigation is being intensified and expanded to clarify the roles and responsibilities of all involved individuals in order to prosecute them according to the law.