Why were the two vice rectors of Dong Do University arrested?
Two vice rectors of Dong Do University have been arrested for the crime of "Forgery in the performance of duties" as stipulated in Article 359 of the Penal Code.
On October 26th, the Ministry of Public Security announced that, in connection with the "Forgery in Public Service" case at Dong Do University, the Security Investigation Agency of the Ministry of Public Security issued a decision to prosecute, an arrest warrant for temporary detention, and a search warrant for the residences and workplaces of two Vice Rectors of the university for the crime of "Forgery in Public Service".
The suspect, Tran Kim Oanh, born in 1978; registered permanent residence: Vinh Tuy Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi City; current residence: Mai Dong Ward, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi City.
The suspect, Le Ngoc Ha, born in 1978; registered permanent residence: Quang Trung ward, Ha Dong district, Hanoi city; current residence: Cu Khe commune, Thanh Oai district, Hanoi city.
The two defendants, Le Ngoc Ha and Tran Kim Oanh. Photo: hdiu.edu.vn
On the same day, following the approval decision from the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the Security Investigation Agency - Ministry of Public Security executed the arrest warrant for temporary detention and the search warrant for the residence and workplace of Tran Kim Oanh and Le Ngoc Ha.
Prior to the arrest of the two Vice Rectors of Dong Do University, on July 19, the Security Investigation Agency of the Ministry of Public Security issued a decision to initiate a criminal case of "Forgery in official duties" occurring at Dong Do University.
On July 30th, the Investigation Security Agency of the Ministry of Public Security issued a Decision to prosecute, an Arrest Warrant for temporary detention, a Prohibition Order from leaving the place of residence, and a Search Warrant for the residence and workplace of Duong Van Hoa (born in 1983, residing in Thanh Ha Cienco 5 Urban Area, Cu Khe Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi), the Rector of Dong Do University, and three other officials of the university for the crime of "Forgery in official duties" as stipulated in Article 359 of the 2015 Penal Code.
Subsequently, on August 20th, the Security Investigation Agency of the Ministry of Public Security issued a wanted notice for suspect Tran Khac Hung, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of the Institute of Continuing Education at Dong Do University, on the charge of "Forgery in official duties".
This case was investigated after the police received information that several key officials at Dong Do University were colluding with external organizations to issue second-degree English Language diplomas to students who did not attend the courses. These diplomas were then used by the students to obtain salary increases, promotions, and to pass recruitment exams for permanent positions.
During the investigation, the Ministry of Public Security determined that Dong Do University had been enrolling students and organizing second-degree English language training programs since 2016. Seeing the high demand for foreign language certificates to complete personnel files, in 2018 the university partnered with approximately 200 short-term training centers to share the profits.
This institution allows students to skip classes and avoid entrance and exit exams. The accelerated diploma courses do not announce enrollment, do not establish examination boards, and do not approve lists of students and invigilators. In some cases, students' records are even inserted into lists of previously completed classes.
According to the defendants' testimonies, Dong Do University organized entrance exams, end-of-semester exams for 25 subjects, and graduation exams for students within just 1-2 days. Students taking the exams were given exam papers and answer keys to copy on the spot. The cost through intermediaries ranged from 50 to 150 million VND per person.
In this case, Principal Duong Van Hoa instructed Deputy Head of the Training and Student Management Department Tran Ngoc Quang to sign the transcripts for students so that they could graduate within 3-6 months of submitting their applications.
Following the arrest of the leadership of Dong Do University, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training stated that the defendants illegally enrolled students and issued second-degree diplomas in English Language. In 2018 alone, Mr. Duong Van Hoa recognized graduation and issued diplomas to hundreds of students majoring in this field.
Regarding the origin of diploma blanks, a representative from the Ministry of Education and Training affirmed that the ministry only supplies diploma blanks to schools. Printing the information on the diplomas and issuing them is the responsibility of the schools.
To date, authorities have determined that those using second degrees issued illegally by the Ministry of Education and Training are mainly key officials pursuing master's or doctoral degrees to improve their qualifications.
The case involving irregularities at Dong Do University is currently under expanded investigation by the Ministry of Public Security.
