Inspection finds top officials breaking energy project laws

The Party Central Committee's Inspection Commission, during its 34th session from December 18 to 20, reported the finding.

The Party Civil Affairs Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Trade has been found to disregard democratic centralism principles and working regulation. This breach indicated a lack of responsibility in leadership and oversight, leading to violations of both Party regulations and State laws by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, alongside various organizations and individuals.

The identified violations involved shortcomings in the advisory and policy-making processes for developing solar and wind power projects, as well as in the execution of the amended Power Development Plan 7. Additionally, lapses were noted in the creation and application of business regulations governing the management and approval of fuel distribution permits.

Wrongdoings were also found in the management and use of the fuel price stabilization fund; establishing, appraising, approving, organizing bidding, and implementing projects implemented by Advanced Information Technology & Building Automation Company (AIC). Many officials have been disciplined and criminally prosecuted as a result.

Responsibility for the above violations and shortcomings belongs to the Party Committees of the Ministry of Industry and Trade for the terms 2016-2021 and 2021-2026; the Standing Committee of the Ministry's Party Committee, the Party Committees of relevant departments and a number of officials.

The people responsible include Tran Tuan Anh, Politburo member and Head of the Central Economic Commission, and former Minister of Industry and Trade.

Other officials responsible are Do Thang Hai, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade; and Hoang Quoc Vuong, Chairman of the Board of Members of Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group and former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade.

The Standing Committees of the Party Committee of Vietnam Electricity for the terms 2015-2020, 2020-2025 are also responsible.

A number of individuals were involved, including former Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung, former head of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung, former Chairman of the Board of Members of Vietnam Electricity Group Duong Quang Thanh, and former General Director of Vietnam Electricity Group Tran Dinh Nhan.

"The above violations have caused serious consequences that are difficult to undo. They have created risks of causing massive damage to the State's money and assets and wasting national resources. They have caused controversy and harmed the reputation of the State and Party organizations. Disciplines therefore are necessary." the Central Inspection Committee's said in a release Wednesday afternoon.

The Central Inspection Committee requested the Party Civil Affairs Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and organizations in a number of ministries and localities to coordinate to review and punish relevant organizations and officials for these violations. They are to report their actions to the Central Inspection Committee afterwards.