The Ministry of Public Security has concluded its investigation into a bribery case involving the Vietnam Trung Mineral and Metallurgy Company (Vietnam Trung) and several officials from the Lao Cai provincial government. The investigation revealed that a total of 250 million VND was paid as a bribe, which is now set to be confiscated for the state budget.

In July 2026, the investigation agency proposed charges against 31 individuals related to this case. Among them is Bui Thanh Binh, the former General Director of Vietnam Trung, who faces charges for violating regulations on the management and use of state assets, accepting bribes, and negligence resulting in damage to state property.

Two former officials from Lao Cai, Le Ngoc Hung (former Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee) and Do Truong Giang (former Director of the Department of Industry and Trade), are also facing charges for abusing their positions while performing their duties. Additionally, Nguyen Ngoc Khiem, a former Deputy Director of a tourism company, is accused of exploiting his influence with officials for personal gain.

The investigation concluded that Nguyen Ngoc Khiem had leveraged his connections with Nguyen Van Vinh, the former Secretary of the Lao Cai Provincial Party Committee, to influence the actions of Hung and Giang. Specifically, Bui Thanh Binh and his accomplices exploited their rights to mine iron ore and coke, selling it to private enterprises at reduced prices to profit from the price difference.

Some companies purchasing iron ore found it more profitable to sell to China and sought to obtain export quotas. Hung and Giang facilitated this process by signing necessary documents. The investigation also revealed that Khiem received substantial sums from An Binh Agricultural Products Export Company for his assistance in obtaining export quotas.

In early 2019, An Binh's director, Nguyen Duy Nghiep, sought to purchase iron ore from Vietnam Trung for domestic trade and export. He enlisted the help of Le Xuan Dinh, a feng shui consultant known to have connections with Binh. Dinh assisted Nghiep in acquiring 300,000 tons of iron ore at a low price, receiving payments totaling 120,750 USD and 10 billion VND.

To secure the export quota, Nghiep and Dinh approached Khiem, who quoted a fee of 100,000 USD for his influence. After receiving the money, Khiem contacted Vinh, who directed him to Hung and Giang for further assistance. Although Vinh did not provide direct orders, Hung and Giang agreed to help due to Khiem's close ties with Vinh.

The investigation found that Khiem received payments from An Binh on three occasions, amounting to 100,000 USD and 4 billion VND, which he partially shared with Hung and Giang. The remaining funds were kept for personal gain. The 250 million VND received by Khiem was ultimately classified as a bribe and will be returned to the state budget.

This investigation highlights the serious issue of corruption within the provincial government and the exploitation of public resources for personal profit, reinforcing the need for strict regulatory oversight and accountability.