Investigators from the Ministry of Public Security have identified several cases in which individuals allegedly abused their positions and authority to introduce unlawful policies, with indications that additional administrative permits were created to serve vested interests and generate illicit gains in connection with the issuance of durian codes and durian testing certificates for exports to China.

At a press conference announcing the Ministry of Public Security’s operational results for the third quarter of 2026, a representative of the Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Economic and Smuggling Crimes (C03) provided updates on the case involving the Center for Testing, Verification and Quality Services, NhoNho Technology Co., Ltd., Thuy Fruit One Member Co., Ltd., and other related organizations and individuals. According to C03, investigators have initiated criminal proceedings against 39 defendants on six charges.

Investigators determined that the case involves growing area codes and durian testing certificates associated with exports to China.

According to the C03 representative, investigators have identified several cases in which individuals allegedly abused their positions and authority to introduce unlawful policies, with indications that additional administrative permits were created to serve vested interests and generate illicit gains. The investigation also identified alleged interference and instructions to subordinates to issue inspection certificates and growing area codes, as well as the illegal sale of growing area codes and packing facility codes.

Investigators are continuing to consolidate evidence, expand the investigation, clarify alleged criminal conduct by the organizations and individuals involved, and recover assets.

Previously, the Ministry of Public Security announced the results of an expanded investigation into a case involving allegations of “Giving bribes; Receiving bribes; Bribery brokerage; Violations of accounting regulations causing serious consequences; Abusing influence over persons holding positions and powers for personal gain; and Forgery in the performance of official duties.” The case occurred at the Center for Testing, Verification and Quality Services, NhoNho Technology Co., Ltd., Thuy Fruit One Member Co., Ltd., and other related organizations and individuals, and is connected with durian exports to China.

Specifically, the Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Economic and Smuggling Crimes (C03) under the Ministry of Public Security stated that its investigation found that Hoang Trung, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and Nguyen Quang Hieu, Deputy Director General of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, allegedly abused their positions and authority to introduce unlawful policies. Investigators said there were indications that additional administrative permits were introduced to serve vested interests and generate particularly large illicit personal gains.

They are also alleged to have intervened and instructed subordinates to improperly issue testing certificates and growing area codes, as well as to engage in the illegal purchase and sale of growing area codes and packing facility codes.

Source: CafeBiz