Hoang Trung, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment in Vietnam, has been detained by the Ministry of Public Security on charges of accepting bribes. This arrest is part of a broader investigation into corruption linked to the export of durians.

On July 28, the Ministry of Public Security announced that Hoang Trung was taken into custody by the Anti-Corruption, Economic Crimes, and Smuggling Police Department (C03). He is accused of exploiting his position to issue illegal policies that created 'unofficial permits' for personal gain and the benefit of specific interest groups.

Alongside Hoang Trung, Nguyen Quang Hieu, the Deputy Director of the Crop Production and Plant Protection Department, has also been charged and detained. Additionally, two other officials, Nguyen Thi Ha and Be Thi Thu Hien, were arrested for falsifying documents related to the inspection and certification of agricultural products.

The investigation is focused on the activities surrounding the export of durians to China, involving various companies and individuals, including the Verification and Quality Service Center and NhoNho Technology Company. The authorities believe that the actions of Hoang Trung and his associates have caused significant financial losses to the state budget and harmed the reputation of Vietnam's agricultural sector.

Previously, in November 2025, eight directors involved in a scheme to sell inspection codes and permits for durian exports were arrested. C03 is continuing to expand its investigation to uncover the full extent of the wrongdoing and to recover assets for the state.