Director of Nam Phong Company arrested for raising test kit prices
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Procuracy on January 15 decided to arrest and launch criminal proceedings against Director of Nam Phong Company Pham Vu Phong for “violating bidding regulations, causing serious consequences” and “giving bribe” in line with Articles 222 and 364 of the Penal Code 2015.
Truong Thi Bao Tran, officer of the Thu Duc Hospital’s Material Office, was also investigated for “receiving bribe” in line with Article 354 of the Penal Code.
According to the preliminary investigation, the Thu Duc Hospital bought all test kits manufactured by Viet A Company from Nam Phong Company at a total cost of nearly VND39 billion (US$1.69 million) from February – September 2021, via a competitive bidding package and 37 others in designated procurement form. The purchase was requested by Viet A Company with the purpose of raising prices and Nam Phong Company was given a 30-40% commission, or nearly VND11 billion.
During the process of validating the bidding package, Phong gave a bribe to Tran.
The case is under further investigation.
