>> Part 1: Lucky plates drawing lots of cash for brokers

>> Part 2: Questions surface regarding randomisation of plate number

>> Part 3: Officials claim plate numbers are random

According to police officials, there is no evidence showing that the randomisation system of numbered plates was corrupted and it’s accidental for luxury cars to have sought-after numbered plates.

Referring to an accusation letter which said that the current numbered plate system had been hacked for the profit of a few individuals, DTiNews spoke with leaders of the Police Department of Road & Railway Traffic and Traffic Police Division of the Hanoi Police.

The following questions were asked to Senior Lieutenant-Colonel Ta Van Ky, Vice Manager of the Traffic Police Division of Hanoi Police.

Do you think that the numbered plate provision system has been corrupted at vehicle registration offices managed by Hanoi’s police?

We cannot provide an exact answer because there is no evidence found to suggest this. Through our working experience, the new number plate provision software system was checked very thoroughly. I am sure that the processes and procedures were under strict control. Our division is responsible for only operating the system and we don’t have the codes of numbered plates.

During operation, we were aware of and updated a lot of information to have solutions to protection and prevention. Long ago, people used to think that it would take a lot of money to have a "lucky" numbered plate. However, when we applied the new technology, people will have a limited chance to do that.

Even I myself don’t know the codes set for numbered plates, I cannot do anything to the system.

Who created the software?

It was created by the Department of Traffic Police; our division takes care of operations. The department will take responsibility of fixing or updating data.

How is the system checked?

The system is checked periodically once or twice a year by the professional management division of the department and leaders of the department.

Have any cases been discovered?

Not any.

How long has the software been used?

It has been used since January 7, 2008.

What do you comment about charges that thousands of USD were earned by brokers directly at registration offices?

The brokerage business is often engaged in civil services including vehicle registration, customs, health and taxes. Brokerage does not equal illegal activity.

Three years ago, the provision of numbered plates was done in order, later it was based on votes and brokers could find some way to cheat people and take their money.

We are one of armed forces and we work in strict discipline. Our working procedures are strictly followed.

Thank you!

A luxury car with a "lucky" plate.

We went on to talk to Colonel Vu Do Anh Dung, head of the Police Department of Road and Railway Traffic, and according to him the software was definitely created and is managed by the department’s Information and Technology section.

A letter suggested that the software was created externally, is this true?

It’s not exact information. As head of the Police Department, I did check, but I haven’t found any proof. I will continue to monitor public information.

DTiNews held an investigation at vehicle registration offices. We were in fact encountered by brokers. Some said that they work for the police department. What do you think about this?

It’s impossible. Brokers are lucky to have nice numbered plates. When their luck doesn't come, they will tell lie that they could not contact people in charge.

Many luxury cars have very nice numbered plates. How do you explain this?

It’s random for them to have nice plates. After 100 numbers or 1,000 numbers, new number orders will be changed. During some periods when there are many nice numbers, they have more chance to have them if they come to register.

Under our strict supervision, it is absolute that nobody can corrupt the system. If there is any change or update to the system, it will require approval of local managers and leaders of the department.