Member of Hanoi politburo hit by gangster scandal
HANOI - A member of the ruling Vietnamese Communist Party's inner circle has become the latest casualty in an unravelling gangster scandal that has inflicted deep wounds on the regime.
Mr Truong Tan Sang, the 10th-ranking member in the 15-strong Politburo, was officially reprimanded on Tuesday by the Central Committee for 'dereliction of duty' while party chief in Ho Chi Minh City from 1996 to 2000.
'Sang failed to instruct enforcement agencies to investigate or prevent the criminal activities of Nam Cam and his underlings and committed mistakes in personnel affairs,' the Nhan Dan newspaper said on Tuesday.
Ho Chi Minh City-based crime boss Nam Cam was first arrested in May 1995 and sent to a re-education camp, but was released after 2 1/2 years following intervention by senior officials alleged to be on his payroll.
Re-arrested in December 2001 by a special police taskforce brought in from outside the city, Nam Cam's detention triggered a series of exposes in the state press about the beneficiaries of his network, which encompassed activities from prostitution to illegal gambling.
Mr Sang, a high-flyer from the southern province of Long An who was elevated to the Politburo in 1996, is the most senior figure to be formally punished in connection with the affair.
Although a reprimand is the first rung on the punishment ladder for cadres, analysts say it could be the first step towards further action against the 53- year-old and other senior party members suspected of involvement.
'It remains to be seen whether the party has the stomach for continuing the investigation,' said Mr Carl Thayer, a Vietnam watcher at the Australian Defence Force Academy.
Nam Cam, more formally known as Truong Van Cam, is expected in court on Feb 25 with 154 others.
Agence France Presse - January 25, 2003.
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