The Ministry of Public Security in Vietnam has revealed significant developments in a corruption case involving Hoàng Trung, the former Deputy Minister of Agriculture. As of October 1, 2026, a total of 39 individuals have been indicted in connection with this case, which centers around the operations at the Quality Testing and Verification Center (Retaq) and several companies, including NhoNho Technology LLC and Thủy Fruit One Member LLC.

At a press conference held on the same day, Colonel Phạm Trường Giang, Deputy Director of the Department for Investigation of Corruption, Economic Crimes, and Smuggling (C03), provided updates on the ongoing investigation. He stated that the number of accused has increased by 22 since the last announcement, with 39 individuals now facing charges related to six different offenses, including bribery.

Among those indicted are notable figures such as Hoàng Bá Nghị, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NhoNho, and Đinh Hoàng Thiện, the company’s director. They, along with others, are accused of receiving bribes. Additionally, Phạm Thành Trí, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Golf Tourism Association, faces charges for exploiting his influence for personal gain.

The investigation has uncovered serious violations concerning the export of durian from Vietnam to China, including the illegal sale of farm codes and testing documents. These infractions have led to exports that do not meet legal standards, resulting in significant damage to state assets and tarnishing the reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products.

On December 11, 2025, the C03 issued a wanted notice for Hoàng Bá Nghị, who had previously evaded arrest. The investigation expanded, leading to the indictment and temporary detention of Hoàng Trung and Nguyễn Quang Hiếu, the Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, on charges of receiving bribes.

Additionally, Nguyễn Thị Hà, head of the Regional Quarantine Sub-Department 7, and Bế Thị Thu Hiền, head of the Hữu Nghị Quarantine Station in Lạng Sơn, have been indicted for falsification in their duties. Preliminary investigation results suggest that Hoàng Trung and Nguyễn Quang Hiếu abused their positions to enact illegal policies, creating conditions for significant financial gain through the issuance of unauthorized permits and the illegal sale of farm codes and packaging codes.

Hoàng Trung was expelled from the Communist Party on July 28 and subsequently dismissed from his position following a decision by the Prime Minister.