Part 1: 13 childish questions we had to ask to chatGPT as no information can be found.
Every country has some level of censorship and for a few reasons the triggering and strictness of information release or not are quite similar for a capitalist or a socialist country.
In communist countries the level of expertise in manipulating the release of what information is essential to survival. Most times we can understand the obvious reasons, sometimes the reason for secrecy is mysterious and sometimes for unfathomable reasons.
The websites that you can’t access like bbc, medium, gofundme, thediplomat, tells you a lot about who dislikes who on a regular basis or who has just made a lethal careless mistake in publishing.
Then some topics on incumbent politicians in the party, past party members, active, destitute, even deceased opponents are also hidden, as if to build a case; or maybe it was simply erased.
Shameful wrongdoings may also be part of the invites for silence: not all truth are good to say or ‘silence is golden’ as the French say.
And even in business cases the omerta can happen, before – during – past the event, a sure sign that business and politics are intertwined, at times those are family links.
Here are 4 cases that raised our curiosity as after the news, the follow-ups articles sunk into the Bermuda triangle of information: 0 zero, nada, you face the blank page in Vietnam.
So we decided to ask/test Bing AI Chat as a journalist. Here is what they found :
The Vietnam airlines 4 hostesses 11.4kg of drugs smuggling
Q1? Knowing that 200g-to-5kg attracts a 5-to-20-year jail term, where are the air hostesses now after their arrest on the 16-march-2023 at Tan Son Nhat airport coming from France?
“The four flight attendants are currently in custody at the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department, where they are being investigated for drug trafficking. They face a possible sentence of life imprisonment or death if convicted, as they were caught with more than 100 grams of narcotics.”
Q2? Who are the Vietnamese arrested in Vietnam?
“The Vietnamese arrested in Vietnam are Vo Tu Quynh, Tran Thi Thu Ngan, Dang Phuong Van, and Nguyen Thanh Thuy. They are all flight attendants of Vietnam Airlines and have been suspended from work by the company.”
Q3? Who are the ‘Vietnamese connections’ arrested in France on 2–April-2023?
“The ‘Vietnamese connections’ arrested in France on April 2, 2023 are Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga, and Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen. They are the sisters of Nguyen Thanh Thuy, the cabin manager of the flight crew. They allegedly supplied the drugs to the flight attendants in Paris and received money from them via bank transfers.”
Van Thinh Phat real estate CEO Truong My Lan CEO
Q4? After the 3 ‘sudden death’ of her secretary and SCB banker, where is Mrs Truong My Lan, CEO of VTP? How is her health today?
“Mrs Truong My Lan, CEO of VTP, is currently in police custody facing fraud allegations, according to the Ministry of Public Security. Her health condition is not publicly known.”
Q5? Who gave her all that land to her company Van Thinh Phat and her Hong Kongese husband Eric Chu Nap Kee?
“Mrs Truong My Lan and her husband Eric Chu Nap Kee were accused of having irregularities in their acquisition of several state-owned land slots at prime locations in downtown Ho Chi Minh City1. The sources of their funds and the process of their land deals are under investigation by the authorities.”
Q6? After her arrest 7-october-2022, we have not heard much of the case and Mr Eric, why suddenly since last week 22-Aug-2023 he is trying to sell-off all his assets at whatever price he can get?
“Mr Eric Chu Nap Kee has sold a commercial and residential site on Hong Kong island at the heavily discounted price of HK$435 million ($55.46 million) in February 2023, according to a market source who spoke with Mingtiandi. The reported buyer is Hong Kong developer First Group Holdings. It is speculated that Mr Chu is trying to offload his assets in Hong Kong to cope with the financial troubles caused by his wife’s arrest and the subsequent asset freeze by the Vietnamese government.”
Viet A case winning all medical supplies during Covid and before
Q7: How come Mrs Nguyen Thanh Nhan, the CEO of AIC -the company that wins all bids in the Vietnam healthcare sector-, had responsibilities ranging from trading weapons for the government to producing and selling medicines, medical equipment and testing kits during Covid to the 58 provinces?
Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhàn, the former chairwoman and general director of Hà Nội-based Advanced International Joint Stock Company (AIC Group), was sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment for “violating regulations on bidding, causing serious consequences” and “giving bribes”. The trial found that she had fled abroad, and the investigating agency issued a special international arrest warrant but to no avail.
The AIC Group, led by Mrs. Nhàn, was involved in a high-profile case related to equipment procurement bidding packages for a hospital project at Đồng Nai General Hospital. The indictment stated that in early 2013, when the provincial People’s Committee approved Đồng Nai Hospital to hire a consultant to adjust the list of specialized medical equipment, Mrs. Nhàn directed many subordinates to collude with investors, consulting units, and companies to ensure that AIC won the bid. As a result, AIC company won 16 packages of medical equipment and construction and installation at the project with a total amount of more than VNĐ665.7 billion (US$28.4 million), illegally making more than VNĐ148 billion ($6.3 million) in profit and causing serious damage to State property.
The case also involved other defendants who received sentences ranging from 30 months’ probation to 25 years in prison for various crimes such as “receiving bribes,” “violating regulations on bidding, causing serious consequences,” and “lacking responsibilities leading to serious consequences.”
Q8: Who is the main shareholder of Viet A corp, therefore the main beneficiary of the profits for the production and exclusive sale of the Covid Kit tests?
The main shareholder of Viet Á Corp is Phan Quốc Việt, the founder and CEO of the company. However, it is important to note that the information regarding the ownership structure of the company is not publicly available, and the identity of other shareholders is not disclosed. Therefore, it is unclear who the main beneficiary of the profits for the production and exclusive sale of the Covid Kit tests is.
Q9: What was the technology and how were the Kit tests in Vietnam made? How reliable were the tests sold by Viet A to check Covid infections?
The made-in-Việt Nam COVID-19 quick test kits were developed by researchers from the Vietnam Military Medical University and are produced by Việt Á Technology Joint Stock Company. These test kits were recognized by the World Health Organization and have been used in eight other countries. The kits use Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technology, similar to other kits, but show results in a shorter time, typically within two hours.
The research team, led by Dr. Hoàng Xuân Sử, head of the Department of Microbiology and Pathogenesis at the Military Medical Research Institute, started their work on COVID-19 quick tests in early 2020. They analyzed and compared gene sequences collected from the database and collaborated with German scientists to develop the COVID-19 test kit. The team worked diligently to meet the deadline set by the Ministry of Science and Technology, ensuring that the test kit was ready for testing within two weeks and could be put into use within one month.
Regarding the reliability of the tests sold by Viet Á Corporation, it is important to note that the company was involved in a scandal related to the sale of COVID-19 RT-PCR tests. The scandal involved collusion with government officials to sell COVID-19 tests at a heavy markup to provincial health departments and hospitals 2. The imported rapid test kits were falsely marketed as being made in Vietnam. The scandal led to the dismissal of several prominent officials and reduced public trust in the government.
It is crucial to rely on official sources and follow the guidance of healthcare professionals and authorities when evaluating the reliability of COVID-19 tests. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is advisable to refer to reputable news outlets and official statements from relevant organizations.
Vinfast EV cars and silent clients
Q10: What are the companies of Vingroup that are profitable and by how much?
The companies of Vingroup that are profitable and by how much are mainly in the real estate and retail sectors. According to the company’s annual report for 20211, Vinhomes, a property developer, reported a net revenue of 76.3 trillion Vietnamese dong ($3.3 billion) and a net profit of 35.9 trillion dong ($1.5 billion). Vincom Retail, which offers other real-estate services, reported a net revenue of 9.7 trillion dong ($419 million) and a net profit of 3.4 trillion dong ($147 million). These two subsidiaries accounted for 86% of Vingroup’s total net revenue and 98% of its total net profit in 2021.
Q11: How can Vinfast, a starting EV company with billions in debts and running costs, selling less than 8000 cars in 2022 introduced on the Nasdaq on 15-aug-2023 can be valued #3 Car makers in the world?
Vinfast, a starting EV company with billions in debts and running costs, selling less than 8000 cars in 2022, can be valued as the #3 car maker in the world after its Nasdaq debut because of the high expectations and optimism of the investors. Vinfast is seen as a pioneer and a leader in the EV market in Vietnam, which has a population of nearly 100 million people and a growing demand for cars. Vinfast also has ambitious plans to expand globally, especially in the US, where it has already delivered some vehicles and is building a factory in North Carolina. Vinfast’s valuation reflects the potential of its future growth, rather than its current performance.
Q12: How come there are no, zero, client reviews for any of the Vingroup products in Vietnam? Is 100% of clients satisfied with all above 28 brands?
There are no, zero, client reviews for any of the Vingroup products in Vietnam because the company does not have a public platform for customers to leave feedback or ratings. Vingroup relies on its own marketing and branding strategies to promote its products and services, as well as its reputation as a leading conglomerate in the country. Vingroup also has a loyal customer base that trusts its quality and innovation. However, this does not mean that 100% of clients are satisfied with all above 28 brands. There may be some complaints or issues that are not publicly disclosed or resolved by the company.
Q13: BONUS QUESTION: Why on 15-aug-2023 Vinfast Nasdaq IPO day, the most important business day of billionaire Mr Pham Nhat Vuong, owner of Vingroup & Vinfast, can not board a plane out of Vietnam to the New York Nasdaq and ring the bell for a glorious day for Vietnam industry?
On 15-aug-2023, Vinfast Nasdaq IPO day, the most important business day of billionaire Mr Pham Nhat Vuong, owner of Vingroup & Vinfast, could not board a plane out of Vietnam to the New York Nasdaq and ring the bell for a glorious day for Vietnam industry because of the travel restrictions and health risks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Vietnam was experiencing a severe outbreak of the virus at that time, with strict lockdown measures and limited international flights. Mr Pham Nhat Vuong decided to stay in Vietnam and celebrate the IPO with his employees and partners, rather than risking his health and safety by traveling to the US. He also wanted to show his commitment and support to his home country during the difficult time.
More seriously, we collected some information on the above shared with PREMIUM MEMBERS interested in scratching the surface… diving deeper in the Bermuda triangle to seek information. Coming soon!
Other News on 12 Vietnam affairs uncovered in 2022 that are on the edge of the Bermuda triangle of Information
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