Central Inspection Committee Session
On 11 September, the Central Inspection Committee (Ủy ban Kiểm tra Trung ương) held its 12th session, chaired by Trần Sỹ Thanh, to consider a disciplinary proposal against Nguyễn Huy Ngọc, Vice Chairman of the Phú Thọ Provincial People’s Committee. The Committee concluded that Ngọc had experienced a decline in political thought, ethics and lifestyle, breached Party regulations and state law while performing his duties, and violated anti‑corruption, waste‑prevention and exemplary‑conduct rules. The violations were judged to have caused "very serious" consequences, sparked public outrage, and damaged the reputation of the Party and the provincial administration, prompting a call for disciplinary measures by the competent authority.
Police Investigation
The police investigation, led by the Criminal Investigation Department (C03) of the Ministry of Public Security, has already detained Ngọc, 56, on charges of receiving large‑scale bribes under Article 354, Clause 4 of the Criminal Code. He was arrested together with Lê Đình Thanh Sơn, director of Phú Thọ Provincial General Hospital, for the same offense. Both are also implicated in accounting violations, smuggling and other illicit activities tied to the Vietnam‑US Medical Investment Joint Stock Company and related local entities. Economic police are expanding the probe, consolidating evidence and preparing to recover the illicit assets for the State.
Professional Background
Ngọc’s professional background is rooted in the health sector. He previously served as head of a department, deputy director and director of the provincial general hospital, followed by eleven years as deputy director and director of the Department of Health. In October 2024 he was elected Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, and by late 2025 he had been appointed a professor of medicine. The Committee’s recommendation underscores the severity of his alleged misconduct and the State’s resolve to enforce accountability.