Vietnam Jails 30 for Graft Worth $45m

 A Vietnamese court sentenced 30 individuals to prison on July 10, 2025, for their roles in a $45 million corruption scandal involving misappropriation of public funds, marking one of the largest graft cases in recent years. 

The trial, held in Hanoi, targeted former officials and business executives linked to a state-owned construction firm, where embezzlement occurred between 2019 and 2023 through inflated contracts and kickbacks. The ringleader, ex-Deputy Minister Tran Van Thanh, received a 20-year sentence, while others got terms ranging from 5 to 15 years.

The scandal, uncovered by the Ministry of Public Security, involved 12 projects, including a $30 million highway, with losses traced to falsified invoices. President To Lam, leading an anti-corruption drive since 2024, hailed the verdicts as a deterrent, with assets worth $20 million seized. 

Critics note the judiciary’s ties to the Communist Party raise impartiality concerns, though public support is high, with 70% approving per a 2025 survey. The case has prompted a nationwide audit of state enterprises, with 50 more investigations pending, signaling a broader crackdown.

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