Vietnam’s police on November 19 arrested Nguyen Huu Tin, former deputy chairman of Ho Chi Minh City (HCM City) People's Committee, over the allegation of “violating regulations on state asset management, causing losses” with the possible highest punishment up to 20 years in jail. 
Former Deputy Chairman of HCM City People's Committee Nguyen Huu Tin. Photo: Internet
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Tin, 61, is accused of involving in Phan Van Anh Vu, better know as Vu "nhom", who was sentenced in July to 9 years in prison for deliberate disclosure of state secrets.
Initial document shows that the former chairman of the biggest city in June 2015 signed a decision allowing Vu’s 79 North South Company to own a land lot in HCM City’s District 1 in a 50-year leasing contract.
The company then built an 18-floor tower which is designed to offer more than 100 apartments and 70 officetel units at the prices of US$3,500-US$7,000/square meter.
Tin’s decision was against the government’s plans on rearranging state-owned land and houses. HCM City sold the land lot without any bidding.
Tin and his accomplices were also probed for their involvement in leasing a 6,000-sq.m land lot in District 1 to Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (Sabeco) without bidding.
Tin is among eight senior officials probed for involving in real estate tycoon Vu Nhom. They include former Danang's chair Tran Van Minh, Danang’s former vice chair Van Huu Chien, former CEO of DongA Bank Tran Phuong Binh. Lieutenant General Bui Van Thanh of the police force was demoted to colonel for his involvement.
