June 16, 2009
According to high-level sources within the Vietnamese Communist Party, China has transferred over US$150 million to the family of prime minister Nguyen Tan Dung, through its state-controlled banking network since October 2008. The information has been seperately confirmed by several Hanoi-based foreign diplomats. The bulk of this money is believed to be held outside of Vietnam.
Radio New Horizon has learned that this monetary payoff came in exchange for Nguyen Tan Dung’s approval and continued support for bauxite mining by the Aluminum Corporation of China at two locations, Dac Nong and Tan Rai, in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. These projects have continued despite strong protests from the Vietnamese public, environmentalists and military officers.
The details surrounding the misconduct have already leaked to the local Vietnamese and expat American business communities. In an effort to halt the spread of this information and avoid public outrage, Nguyen Tan Dung ordered the “urgent arrest” of several people in recent days. It is possible that more arrests will occur in the coming days.