Former Quang Ninh province education leader jailed over bidding violations

Former director of Quang Ninh province's Department of Education and Training Vu Lien Oanh was sentenced to 15 years in jail for violating regulations on bidding that caused severe consequences to the state budget.

Ngo Vui, 64, former head of the department’s planning and finance division, was jailed for 11 years, while Ha Huy Long, 51, former deputy head of the division, received a six-year jail term for the same charge.

Hoang Thuy Nga, 48, chairwoman of the New Successful Journey Group Co., Ltd., was sentenced to 20 years for "violating regulations on bidding, causing serious consequences" and “giving bribes”.

Seven other defendants got jail terms from two to four years while six people got suspended sentences of up to two years and six months.

According to the indictment, in early 2016, Nga discussed with Oanh about letting New Successful Journey Group to bid for six projects by every means necessary to sell education products and equipment to kindergartens and primary schools in Quang Ninh province.

As a representative of the investor, Oanh helped Nga to win six procurement packages, of which two in 2019 caused losses of more than VND80 billion ($3.36 million) to the state budget.

After winning the bids, Nga paid VND14 billion ($588,400) to Oanh, VND14.8 billion ($622,000) to Vui, and VND1.8 billion ($75,600) to Long.

The defendants took advantage of their positions and illegally interfered in bidding activities by intentionally falsifying information.

Their wrongdoings caused damage to the state budget of more than VND80 billion ($3.3 million).

Investigators identified Oanh and Nga as the ringleaders of the case.