Vietnam arrests deputy health minister in bribery probe

Vietnamese police arrested Deputy Health Minister Tran Van Thuan on Wednesday for allegedly accepting large bribes, authorities announced. The arrest is part of an investigation into a company accused of smuggling medical equipment. Thuan, 56, a leading oncologist appointed deputy minister in 2020, was detained for bribery involving a large sum, though the amount was not specified. The probe targets Viet My Medical Investment Joint Stock Company, with police also arresting two executives and an accountant. The company allegedly inflated prices of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals imported from Singapore and Hong Kong. The arrest continues Vietnam's anti-corruption campaign under President To Lam, which has removed many opponents and previously led to a former health minister's imprisonment.