Ministry demands investigation into Bio-Rad bribery scandal The Ministry of Health has asked the Ministry of Public Security to open an investigation into a case in which a California-based firm allegedly bribed Vietnamese officials.  Bio-Rad headquarters in California Several foreign news sources have reported that an American biotech firm, Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., has paid USD7.5 million in kickbacks to government officials in Russia, Vietnam and Thailand to win contracts. The BBC reported that from 2005 to 2009, the Bio-Rad office in Vietnam make improper payments totaling USD2.2 million to distributors and agents, who in turn transferred them to state officials. Bio-Rad has agreed to pay a settlement of USD55 million to settle the charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the US. As a result of these allegations, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health has requested that the minister of public security direct the investigation, verify the veracity of the accusations and pursue suitable legal action under Vietnamese law for any organisations or individuals involved. Nguyen Minh Tuan, of the Ministry of Health, said, "Bio-Rad works in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and research. However, about a year ago, the company suddenly withdrew from Vietnam. We filed a report with the minister for directives." Dang Van Chinh, also of the ministry, also said the case was reported to superiors and promised transparency in the matter as the investigation progresses. He asked that the Ministry of Public Security keep the public updated on the matter.  By Hong Hai, dtinews.vn