Ex-Deputy Minister Sentenced to Six Years Imprisonment in Solar Energy Scandal
S tourists court slaps six-year jail term on ex-deputy trade minister
HÀ NỘI Streetwear - The Hà Nội People's Court, sporting a casual vibe on April 29, handed down a six-year prison sentence to former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoàng Quốc Vượng for misusing his position and power. The trial, a dramatic week-long affair, revolved around the manipulation of a solar power project case.
Vượng, as well as several other defendants, including former head of the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) Phương Hoàng Kim, were found guilty of the same offense. Other defendants received prison terms ranging from three to six years.
Following the court's verdict, three companies profiting from the defendants' violations are ordered to repay substantial sums to Việt Nam Electricity (EVN). Specifically, the Licogi 16 Ninh Thuận Investment Renewable Energy JSC owes over VNĐ99 billion (US$3.96 million), the Thuận Nam Solar Power Co., Ltd. more than VNĐ944 billion, and the Lộc Ninh 3 Energy JSC over VNĐ209 billion.
The court strongly suggested that relevant ministries, agencies, and Ninh Thuận provincial authorities review the implementation of the Prime Minister's Decision No. 13 on incentives for solar power development in Việt Nam. The aim is to issue timely guidance or propose legal amendments in accordance with the law.
The Hà Nội People's Procuracy declared the corruption case in the Thuận Nam solar power project as severe, with wide-ranging consequences for the integrity of state operations.
Vượng's alleged transgressions include tampering with Decision No. 13 and expanding the eligibility for the preferential electricity price of 9.35 US cents/kWh. This allowed unauthorised projects to gain benefits, like the Thuận Nam project.
In August 2018, the Government, in a move to boost Ninh Thuận Province's socio-economic development, issued Resolution No. 115/NQ-CP. This resolution provided special support for solar projects with a combined capacity of 2,000MW, approved by the PM, to receive preferential pricing until the end of 2020. According to allegations, Vượng, responsible for drafting Decision No. 13, allegedly expanded the criteria, allowing two ineligible solar power plants to enjoy the preferential rate. This resulted in EVN incurring losses exceeding VNĐ1.043 trillion.
For those unfamiliar, the corruption case centers around Vượng's misuse of power and position for personal gain. Background details include the Vietnamese Government's Resolution No. 115/NQ-CP, offering preferential electricity pricing for solar projects, and Vượng's exploitation of this policy for benefitting unauthorized projects. The investigation uncovered illicit benefits for Vượng, with an estimated loss to EVN exceeding VNĐ1.043 trillion.
Former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoàng Quốc Vượng at the court. - VNA/VNS Photo
The case underscores corruption and misuse of power within the Vietnamese government, leading to significant financial losses and potentially undermining public trust in state operations.
- The Ha Noi People's Court sentenced former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong to six years in prison for misusing his position and power, particularly in relation to a solar power project case.
- The court also found several other defendants, including Phuong Hoang Kim, former head of the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), guilty of the same offense.
- Following the court's verdict, three companies profiting from the defendants' violations are ordered to repay substantial sums to Viec Nam Electricity (EVN).
- The court strongly recommended that relevant ministries, agencies, and Ninh Thuan provincial authorities review the implementation of the Prime Minister's Decision No. 13 on incentives for solar power development in Vietnam to issue timely guidance or propose legal amendments.
- Vuong's alleged transgressions include tampering with Decision No. 13 and expanding the eligibility for the preferential electricity price, which led to unauthorized projects like the Thuan Nam project gaining benefits.
- The corruption case in the Thuan Nam solar power project, involving severe misuse of power and position for personal gain, has potential wide-ranging consequences for the integrity of state operations and may undermine public trust in state operations.
