Former EVNNPT Chairman Charged in Vietnam's Broad Corruption Probe

Dang Phan Tuong, former chairman of the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT), has been charged as part of an investigation into a corruption case. Tuong is currently a member of the Board of Directors at Dong Anh Electrical Equipment Manufacturing Joint Stock Company (EEMC). The investigation was announced by the Investigation Police Agency under the Ministry of Public Security, which has designated Tuong as a defendant in a criminal case occurring at EVNNPT, PC1 Group Joint Stock Company, and related entities. EEMC disclosed this information in an unusual report to its shareholders and investors. The EEMC document did not specify the exact charges or any preventive measures against Tuong. He was appointed to EEMC's Board of Directors in November 2024 for the 2024-2029 term. Prior to this, he served as chairman of EVNNPT for nine years before resigning in September 2020 due to personal reasons. Tuong is not the first high-profile figure to be charged in connection with this case. Previously, several leaders from other power sector companies were also prosecuted and detained to aid the investigation. In early July, the Ministry of Public Security stated that 47 individuals had been charged in this case with five offenses: "violating regulations on bidding causing serious consequences," "violating accounting regulations causing serious consequences," "asset embezzlement," "bribery," and "receiving bribes." The investigation covers 13 entities, including EVNNPT, the Project Management Board of Northern Power Projects, the Project Management Board of Central Power Projects, PC1 Group JSC, Dong Anh Steel Structure Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Tan Phat Mineral Joint Stock Company, Song Da 11 Joint Stock Company, and several electricity construction consulting firms and related units. Initial findings indicate numerous violations by both the investor and contractors during the implementation of the 500kV double-circuit transmission line project. These alleged irregularities span various stages, including budget estimation and approval, tender document preparation, bidding processes, acceptance, payment, and project settlement. Some contractors are also identified as having committed violations during their construction work. Authorities have seized over VND 45.8 billion (approximately USD 1.8 million) and USD 1.05 million (approximately USD 1.05 million), and have temporarily suspended transactions and frozen securities accounts totaling approximately VND 1.756 trillion (approximately USD 69 million). EVNNPT, a subsidiary of Vietnam Electricity (EVN), is responsible for investing in, managing, and operating the national power transmission system, ensuring safe, continuous, and stable electricity transmission to support socio-economic development. As of the end of 2025, EVNNPT managed and operated over 33,400 km of transmission lines, including approximately 12,335 km of 500kV lines and over 21,070 km of 220kV lines. The corporation also manages 222 transmission substations nationwide. The Ministry of Public Security continues to expand its investigation into this case. Source: BBC Vietnamese