Hanoi People’s Committee chairman Nguyen Duc Chung will be suspended from official duties for 90 days, as police’s investigation into his role in a number of cases is carried out.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc signed the decision on Tuesday, effective immediately.

The same day, the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Politburo announced to suspend Chung’s position as vice-secretary of Hanoi’s Party Committee.

Ministry of Public Security spokesperson Major General To An Xo said Chung was being investigated in connection with accusations of smuggling, accounting violations, money laundering and violations of bidding regulations involving the privately owned software and technological service company Nhat Cuong Trading and Services Co Ltd and Hanoi’s Department of Planning and Investment.

Nhat Cuong director-general Bui Quang Huy is currently wanted for questioning by police.

Police are also looking into Chung’s role in a case of mismanagement of State assets and theft of State secrets, in which arrest warrants have been issued against an official working at the Hanoi People’s Committee, Chung’s driver and a serving police officer.

Chung was born on August 3, 1967, in Thang Long commune, Kinh Mon district of the northern province Hai Duong. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the Vietnam People’s Police Academy and a Doctor of Law degree.

Before becoming the leader of the Vietnamese capital in December 2015, Chung served in many positions in Hanoi’s public security force.

In 2001, he led the serious crime unit of the Investigation Police Department, Hanoi. From 2004 to 2007, he was the deputy leader of the Criminal Police Department and then head of the department.

He served as deputy director of Hanoi’s police in 2011-2012 before rising to the top position in September 2012.

In September 2013, Chung was promoted to the rank of major general.

VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK