Economic crimes related to petroleum, medical supplies have been suppressed: Minister To Lam

At the National Assembly’s question-and-answer session for the industry and trade sector on March 16, Minister of Public Security General To Lam released initial results of the investigation of large-scale economic cases.

In his speech, Minister Lam shared the difficulties that the industry and trade sector has faced amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and appreciated the great efforts of the sector to restore business and production in the new normal state.

Regarding the effort to prevent and fight against smuggling, commercial fraud, counterfeit and poor-quality commodities, and goods of unknown origin, Minister To Lam stressed that the situation tends to be more complicated in the current context.

The Public Security Minister also informed National Assembly deputies about initial results of the investigation of the large-scale fake gasoline case in Dong Nai, saying that the police have arrested 100 suspects, including 99 accused of smuggling and one accused of receiving bribes.

In the case, the police seized 2.5 million liters of gasoline, impounded 16 vessels and many other vehicles, temporarily seized VND 212 billion and some USD 300,000 in cash, 51 land use certificates and other valuable assets as exhibits of the case. They also coordinated with banks to freeze 30 bank accounts, worth some VND 100 billion, of the suspects, Minister To Lam added.

He also affirmed that the Ministry of Public Security would expand investigation into the case.

In order to better prevent and fight smuggling, commercial frauds and contrabands, the Ministry of Public Security will continue taking special approaches to promptly detect law violations and crimes committed by businesses trading in oil products, gold and medical supplies for COVID-19 prevention and control. The Public Security Forces will strongly suppress economic crimes, Minister To Lam stressed.

The Public Security Forces will also work closely with market management agencies, customs, Border Guard and Coast Guard forces to inspect enterprises, seriously handle crime reports, and open investigation into cases of smuggling, commercial fraud, counterfeits and contrabands.

Minister Lam added the Ministry of Public Security will advise the Government to remove loopholes in legal documents, regulations, mechanisms, and policies so as to better manage gold, petroleum, and medical supply markets.