On September 13, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee continued its 37th meeting to discuss the 2024 reports of the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court and the Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, as well as the Government’s reports on crime fighting, law enforcement, and corruption prevention for the same year.
Le Thi Nga, Chairwoman of the Judicial Committee, speaks at the meeting. Photo: Nguyen Nam
Presenting the review report on the Government’s 20024 anti-corruption work, Ms. Le Thi Nga, Chairwoman of the Judicial Committee, emphasized that the fight against corruption and negative behavior has been strongly and innovatively implemented, and corruption has been curbed and prevented.
According to Ms. Le Thi Nga, the Government’s report on anti-corruption shows that the investigative agencies of the People’s Police have initiated proceedings in 722 cases involving 1,571 defendants; concluded the investigation and proposed prosecution in 689 cases involving 2,235 defendants.
The People’s Procuracy at all levels received and processed 985 cases involving 3,269 defendants during the prosecution phase, and resolved 852 cases involving 2,785 defendants.
The People’s Courts at all levels handled 750 cases involving 1,851 defendants at the first instance (an increase of 274 cases and 736 defendants compared to the same period), of which 640 cases involving 1,531 defendants were tried.
According to the Government’s report, the total value of damages in the cases under investigation and prosecution is estimated at approximately VND 4,586 billion and 59,899 square meters of land. The authorities have recovered, seized, or temporarily held assets worth approximately VND 1,535 billion, 45,303 square meters of land, over 2.6 million USD, 97 gold bars, 534 taels of SJC gold, 9 real estates, 1,444 land-use right certificates of various types, and 1 Mercedes-Benz car, among others.
In addition, 88 real estate transactions were temporarily halted, and banks were requested to temporarily halt transactions for 13 savings books (with a total value of approximately VND 1,117 billion).
However, alongside the achievements, the reviewing agency pointed out certain limitations in corruption detection and handling. Self-inspection and self-detection of corruption within organizations remain ineffective, with very few corruption cases being uncovered through such means. There has been little progress in addressing challenges and shortcomings in asset appraisal and valuation to serve the handling of corruption and economic crimes.
Moreover, there is a large backlog of assets to be recovered in criminal cases involving corruption and economic crimes, and many assets subject to recovery have unclear legal status during the seizure process, causing difficulties for the enforcement stage.
“There have been numerous cases of public officials in law enforcement agencies violating anti-corruption regulations and being criminally prosecuted. Corruption and negative behavior in certain sectors remain severe and complex,” said Chairwoman Le Thi Nga.
Notably, there have been significant violations in areas such as planning, construction, energy, bidding, public asset management, land administration, and mineral resource exploitation.
The common modus operandi involves the abuse of position and power in implementing projects to favor businesses, and the exploitation of influences of individuals with positions and power for personal gain.
The past corruption and negative behavior, according to the reviewing agency, reflect lax management and irresponsibility of many collectives and individuals, especially leaders, in state management in certain sectors.
“The inspection and supervision of the exercise of power by individuals with positions and power have not received adequate attention,” said Chairwoman Le Thi Nga.
The Judicial Committee requested the Government, the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuracy, and the State Audit Office to strengthen inspection, auditing, and focus on areas such as land management and use, construction, bidding, public asset management, and mineral resource management.
Detection and handling of corruption offenses and recovery of corrupt assets need to be further improved in terms of quality and effectiveness.
“It is necessary to continue encouraging voluntary surrender and pursuing fugitives who have fled abroad. Attention should also be given to addressing challenges in asset appraisal and valuation and promptly resolving difficulties and obstacles faced by law enforcement agencies,” emphasized Ms. Le Thi Nga.
Embezzlement of assets increased by 50.75%
According to the Government’s reports on crime prevention and law enforcement, organized crime increased by 89.47%, fraud and asset appropriation increased by 89.90%, embezzlement of assets increased by 50.75%, and online gambling increased by 113.2%. There have also been a number of brutal and daring murders, causing outrage, anxiety, and insecurity among the people.
The courts granted early release to 1,494 prisoners and reduced sentences for 72,736 prisoners (an increase of 5,716 people).
Unveiling the Mystery: A Tale of Unexplained Wealth Among Officials
“Recent corruption cases have unveiled a trend where substantial undeclared assets of unknown origin are being discovered during police investigations and searches. This highlights the intricate web of corruption and the extent to which individuals go to conceal their illicit gains.”
“Four Individuals Face Disciplinary Action for Inaccurate Asset and Income Declarations”
The Government Inspectorate reported that in the first half of the year, 282,826 individuals completed their asset and income declarations. Of these, 2,518 were subject to verification, and four individuals faced disciplinary action for making false declarations.
“Uncover the Negative Dynamics Between the Powerful and Businesses”
Emphasizing the robust development of the market economy, which has given rise to certain issues and negative aspects, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Truong, Director of the Local I Department of the Internal Affairs Commission, asserted the importance of identifying negative manifestations in the relationship between political and economic power, as well as between businesses and individuals with positions of authority. This identification process is crucial for devising appropriate and timely solutions.
“Combating Corruption Without Hindering Socio-Economic Development”
As we delve into the intricacies of our dual tasks, it is evident that we are navigating a delicate balance. Our mission is to foster economic growth while simultaneously strengthening our party’s foundation. This is a harmonious journey, where one pursuit does not hinder the other but instead, they coexist in a symbiotic relationship. We strive to write a narrative where numbers tell a story of success, and our actions speak louder than words.
Unveiling the Masterminds: The Arrest of the Trio Behind Over 1,000 Scams in Just 10 Months
Between September 2023 and July 2024, a series of scams were perpetrated, with over 1,000 cases reported. The scammers targeted individuals in Ha Tinh and across the nation, resulting in significant financial losses for their victims.
