Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security said Saturday that the Police Investigation Agency issued a decision to prosecute and arrest Mai Tien Dung, who served as head of the government office of Vietnam, for the offense of abusing power or position while performing official duties. The charges are in relation to a bribery case and abuse of power that occurred in the Central Highland province of Lam Dong Province and some related localities.

Article 356 of the Criminal Code of Vietnam stipulates that abuse of power or position in the performance of official duties shall face a penalty of up to three years’ community sentence or from one to five years’ imprisonment. Furthermore, if the offense has been committed more than once, the defendant shall carry a penalty of five to ten years’ imprisonment.

The charges comes as Vietnam continues to ramp up its anti-corruption campaign. The campaign, which is called “Blazing Furnace,” has achieved remarkable results, leading to 60,000 resignations between 2021 and 2023. On May 2, 2024, the Central Executive Committee accepted Vuong Dinh Hue’s resignation from the position of Chairman of the National Assembly. Vuong Dinh Hue was also accused of violating regulations on the responsibility of officials to set an example and regulations regarding what party members are not allowed to do.