The State Auditor General talks about 'many audits but only one corruption case discovered'

State Auditor General Ngo Van Tuan stated that during the audit process, without waiting for it to end, when signs of clear violations of the law or corruption are discovered, they will be immediately transferred to the relevant authorities.

State Auditor General Ngo Van Tuan - Photo: National Assembly Media

On the afternoon of September 23, the National Assembly Standing Committee gave opinions on the 2024 work report and plan. audit 2025 of the State Audit.

According to the report, the total number of audit tasks in 2025 is 120 (1 task less than in 2024), and at the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the audit of budget settlement of ministries, central and local agencies reaches a minimum rate of 90% of ministries, central and local agencies.

Thematic, operational, environmental, and information technology audits strive for a target rate of 30% of the total number of audits by 2025.

In addition, it is expected to audit 25 topics (not including 2 topics in the field of national security and defense); audit activities of 7 topics, focusing on auditing topics related to environmental protection...

Why only one case?

With room work, Regarding anti-corruption and negativity, the Standing Committee believes that with the large scale and scope of the audit, the State Audit has only recommended considering and directing one case with signs of law violations in terms of the results of the anti-corruption audit, which is not appropriate.

Chairwoman of the Judiciary Committee Le Thi Nga said that the State Audit, with its responsibility as an agency related to preventing corruption and negativity, has only recently proposed to consider directing one case that violated the law.

"Compared to very large audited units but only one case was discovered, it is necessary to clarify the reason why there was only one case," Ms. Nga stated.

Commenting on the audit plan for 2025, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man suggested reviewing the audit plan to select focused and key content, "hit" and "correct" audits, cutting down on unnecessary tasks that overlap with the inspection plan, and making sure they do not overlap...

Focus on auditing important national projects, key projects have large disbursement volume. For example, road and bridge construction, large projects must regularly monitor and audit volume and final payment.

"I've lived in a house for 10 years but haven't settled the payment. I'm very enthusiastic about advancing money but when I use it, the payment is very slow. If this situation occurs in the ministries and local agencies, how can the auditors give me a warning?" Mr. Man added.

In the field of enterprises, financial institutions and banks, he proposed clarifying the effectiveness of state capital investment in enterprises, implementing monetary policies, providing credit, auditing credit risks, and bond issuance, bond guarantees of organizations and individuals.

"For the economy to be sustainable, banking and finance, and credit institutions must be strong. I suggest that the 2025 audit pay attention to this issue," Mr. Man said, pointing out that recently, there has been a handling of zero-dong banks and banks. (SCB Bank - PV) Van Thinh Phat also provides a transparent and fair handling direction, creating trust for people and businesses.

View of the meeting - Photo: National Assembly Media

Input materials for investigation and inspection agencies

Explaining later, State Auditor General Ngo Van Tuan said he pays great attention to preventing corruption and negativity. He has put public service ethics as number 1 and always implements anti-corruption within the industry.

Regarding the reasons for the transfer of corruption and negative cases investigative agency Mr. Tuan pointed out that the nature of auditing is prevention and containment, with a time limit of 45 days based on the records of the supplying units, risk analysis audit...

"Basically, we are the input material for investigation and inspection agencies. Every year, we provide more than 400 reports to the agencies, especially in 2023, we provided more than 800 important documents to the Inspection Committee and investigation agencies.

According to the coordination regulations, during the audit process, without waiting for the end, when signs of law violations or clear corruption are discovered, they will be immediately transferred to the relevant authorities. These are things that are being coordinated very well," Mr. Tuan stated.

Source