HCMC - Le Quang Thung, former general director and former acting chairman of Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG), has been arrested along with eight others over alleged violations of land management and use regulations.

The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) on May 24 announced that the Police Department for Crimes Related to Corruption, Economy and Smuggling (C03) had launched criminal proceedings against those "violating regulations on the management and use of state assets, causing losses and wastefulness" at Vietnam Rubber Group and related entities. Others detained by police include former high-ranking officials of VRG, including Huynh Trung Truc, former deputy general director of VRG, and Pham Van Thanh, former head of the investment planning department of VRG. Those arrested at other entities include Nguyen Thi Gai, former general director of Dong Nai Rubber Corporation; Nguyen Thanh Chau, former chairman of Dong Nai Rubber Corporation; Nguyen Cong Tai, former chairman of Ba Ria Rubber Company; Nguyen Trong Canh, former deputy general director of Ba Ria Rubber Company; Le Y Linh, former director of Viet Tin General Trading Company; and Dang Phuoc Dua, former chairman of Viet Tin General Trading Company. The suspects are accused of misconduct at Vietnam Rubber Group, Dong Nai Rubber Corporation, and Ba Ria Rubber Company, and other entities. The violations allegedly committed by Le Quang Thung, who is now 78 years old, are linked to a property development project at 39-39B Ben Van Don Street, Ward 12, District 4, HCMC. Police have executed the warrants according to legal procedures. The investigation continues as authorities gather more evidence and broaden the scope.