How much did Vietnamese officials allegedly receive in bribes for test kits?

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Vietnamese Officials Accused of Receiving Millions in Bribes Over COVID-19 Test Kits

Former Vietnamese health minister Nguyen Thanh Long and 37 other individuals are on trial in Hanoi, facing charges related to the alleged corruption surrounding the production and distribution of overpriced COVID-19 test kits. The scandal centres on the semi-private firm Viet A, which is accused of inflating prices for these kits. Former minister Long is specifically accused of receiving US$2.25 million in bribes.
Bribe Allegations Against Former Health Minister

Nguyen Thanh Long, Vietnam's former health minister, is accused of accepting bribes amounting to US$2.25 million (approximately RM10.4 million). This accusation forms a significant part of the ongoing trial that commenced today in Hanoi. The case highlights the extent of alleged corruption within the supply chain for essential medical equipment during the pandemic.
Viet A's Estimated Gains and Bribe Allocations

The Viet A scandal is estimated to have generated around US$172 million for the company. Of this substantial sum, approximately US$34 million was allegedly used to bribe officials. Viet A reportedly produced 8.7 million test kits during the pandemic, with the majority distributed to medical facilities across Vietnam.
Broader Impact and Previous Convictions

The ongoing trial is part of a larger crackdown on corruption in Vietnam, with at least 100 officials and businesspeople arrested in connection with the Viet A scandal. This case follows previous convictions related to pandemic-related corruption, including lengthy jail terms for officials involved in bribery and corruption charges over repatriation flights. Earlier, Viet A CEO Phan Quoc Viet was sentenced to 25 years in prison for abuse of power and violating bidding regulations, and he faces further charges in the current trial.

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How much did Vietnamese officials allegedly receive in bribes for test kits?

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