Investigation into COVID-19 test kit scam extended
The Ministry of Public Security expects to complete the investigation into the COVID-19 test kit scam at Viet A Technologies JSC in the second quarter of this year, the ministry’s spokesperson Lieutenant General To An Xo said on May 5.
Speaking at the Government’s regular press conference, the officer said the investigation agency initially planned to conclude the investigation into the case in the first quarter.
However, due to its complexity, the ministry proposed the Central Steering Committee for Corruption and Negative Phenomena Prevention and Control extend the deadline.
More than 100 individuals have been prosecuted for their roles in the case so far, and about VND1.7 trillion (US$72.5 million) has been seized.
In December 2021, police arrested and initiated legal proceedings against Phan Quoc Viet, General Director of Viet A Technologies, for raising the price of RT-PCR COVID-19 test kits and giving bribery to health officials to sell their test kits.
Viet and key leaders of the company had admitted to colluding with leaders of hospitals and Centres for Disease Control (CDCs) to supply COVID-19 test kits to hospitals and CDCs at prices set by the company, which were much higher than the production price.
Xo also informed the press about developments of the case relating to Le Thanh Than, chairman of property giant Muong Thanh, who was prosecuted for deceiving customers.
A court for the case is scheduled to open in June.
