On December 7th, the Anti-Corruption, Economic, and Smuggling Crime Investigation Department (C03) of the Ministry of Public Security arrested Mr. Duong Van Dong, Director of the Department of Transport (GTVT) of Dong Nai province. He is under investigation for “Abusing positions and powers while performing official duties.” Along with Mr. Dong, Pham Minh Quan, a specialist from the Dong Nai Department of Transport, was also arrested and charged with “Irresponsibility causing serious consequences.”
These arrests are part of an expanded investigation into a case at the Saigon Driving School Center in Bien Hoa City, directed by Ho Dinh Thai Hoa. Ms. Nguyen Thi Mong Thu, Deputy Director of the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs of Dong Nai province, has also been prosecuted but is currently released on bail pending further investigation.
Authorities have searched the workplaces and residences of the accused, seizing numerous important documents and records related to the case. This strong action by the Ministry of Public Security demonstrates a determination to cleanse the apparatus, especially in the management of driver training and licensing, which is a pressing issue in society.
The case began in April 2023 when Mr. Ho Dinh Thai Hoa was temporarily detained for “Forgery in work.” In August 2023, Hoa was further prosecuted for “Taking bribes,” accused of receiving money to overlook violations during driving tests. Expanding the investigation, the police discovered systematic violations at the Saigon Driving School Center, leading to the arrest of more related individuals.
Mr. Bui Dinh Thao, former Deputy Director in charge of the Training Department of the Saigon Vocational Driving School Center, was also arrested for “Giving bribes.” Ms. Nguyen Thi My Nhan, Deputy Head of the Transport Management, Vehicles and Drivers Division under the Dong Nai Department of Transport, and her subordinate Nguyen Nhan Cuong, are under investigation for “Taking bribes.” Dang Thai Han, former Deputy Director of Market Development at the Saigon Vocational Driving School Center, and Director of K27 Vocational Education Investment Joint Stock Company, is accused of “Forgery in work.”
C03 investigators determined that the accused engaged in giving and receiving money to overlook violations in driver training and testing at the Saigon Vocational Driving School Center. This behavior caused particularly serious consequences for driving students and directly threatened traffic safety, as unqualified drivers were easily licensed. This case exposes an alarming reality of power corruption and vested interests in the driver training sector.
The Saigon Vocational Driving School Center, belonging to 3T Education & Business Development Co., Ltd. directed by Hoa, was established in 2014 under a decision of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee. From January 2020 to April 2023, this center falsely created 935 driver training registration files and received confirmation from the Dong Nai Department of Transport for the training of 63,458 students. The center conducted theoretical and practical training improperly, even outsourcing to individuals outside the organization without driver training qualifications, and then legalized student files. Subsequently, the center issued elementary vocational certificates to 39,021 students in violation of regulations, turning the driver training and testing process into a farce, endangering society.
This “driving license scandal” case is not only about handling individual violations, but also a wake-up call regarding state management in the driver training sector. To prevent similar cases, more comprehensive and drastic solutions are needed, from improving the legal system, strengthening inspection and supervision, to raising the sense of responsibility of officials, civil servants, and citizens. This is a costly lesson for building a safer and more civilized traffic environment.
Phước Tuấn
