HANOI – A former Vietnamese deputy minister of industry and trade was sentenced to six years in prison on April 29 for abusing his authority in a controversial solar energy pricing scheme that led to significant losses for the state.
Hoang Quoc Vuong, 62, who served as deputy minister from 2015 to 2020 and previously chaired the state-run Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), admitted to accepting a US$57,600 bribe in exchange for giving favourable pricing terms to solar power projects in the southern province of Ninh Thuan.
According to the court’s verdict, this special pricing arrangement enabled three solar plants to sell electricity to EVN at inflated rates between 2018 and 2020. EVN paid nearly US$154 million to purchase that power—leading to a reported US$40 million loss to the national budget.
Vuong acknowledged his wrongdoing in court and said his family had repaid the bribe. “I believe I made mistakes in my work that caused financial damage. Therefore, I take full responsibility and have returned the money to the state,” he told the court during sentencing.
In an emotional closing statement, Vuong reflected on the fallout of the case. “My wrongdoings have become a painful lesson and have erased years of service and contributions to the country,” he said.
Eleven other officials, including those from the energy and tax sectors, were also found guilty in connection to the scheme. Sentences ranged from suspended terms to six years in prison for misconduct and negligence in office.
The court also ruled that the three solar plants that received favourable treatment must repay the US$40 million in damages to EVN.
The case comes as Vietnam accelerates its push for clean energy in pursuit of its net-zero emissions pledge by 2050, aiming to boost solar and wind power capacity amid growing demand. However, the government has increasingly cracked down on corruption in the energy sector, underlining its commitment to transparent and fair development.