Former Director of Hai Phong Project Management Board Arrested for Abuse of Power

In the northern port city of Hai Phong, a significant development has occurred with the arrest of a former top official from a key infrastructure development agency. Ta Viet Dong (61 years old), the former director of the Hai Phong City Project Management Board for Civil Construction Investment, has been apprehended and charged with abuse of power during his official duties. Dong served as the director of the project management board responsible for urban development projects in Hai Phong since 2016. He continued in the role even after the organization underwent name changes through restructuring in 2019 and 2024. Prior to the establishment of a newly merged management board, the Hai Phong City Project Management Board for Civil Construction and Infrastructure, in February 2025, he had taken early retirement. The management boards led by Dong were the investing entities for major projects in Hai Phong, including the technical infrastructure for the North Cam River New Urban Area and the renovation and expansion of National Highway 10, specifically the section from Da Bac Bridge to Kien Bridge. Currently, the prosecuting authorities have not disclosed the specific details of Dong's alleged misconduct. This arrest comes at a time when calls for increased scrutiny regarding the transparency of public projects and the adherence to ethical conduct by public officials are growing in Vietnam. As Vietnam experiences rapid economic growth, large-scale infrastructure investments are being undertaken. However, concerns about corruption and abuse of power related to these projects have also been raised. Within the one-party system, the crackdown on misconduct by public officials is a crucial issue for maintaining the legitimacy of the regime and securing public trust. This incident is seen as an illustration of these ongoing efforts.