The High People's Court in Ho Chi Minh City (now the Appellate Court of the Supreme People's Court in Ho Chi Minh City) recently upheld the sentencing of Nguyen Thi Cam Thu, 53, a former chief administrative judge at the Kien Giang Provincial People's Court, to 11 years in prison for bribery.

Between 2020 and 2021, the Kien Giang Provincial People's Court handled two administrative cases concerning land use rights certificates and land lease decisions involving the provincial People's Committee. In early 2021, Thu, then Chief Administrative Judge, was assigned to these cases.

Thu deliberately delayed the proceedings for over a year.

Nguyen Thi Cam Thu during her time in office. Photo: Provided by authorities

Around early 4/2021, Thu summoned the plaintiff to the court and stated that winning the case would be difficult, suggesting a bribe would ensure a favorable outcome. The plaintiff explained their financial hardship, promising gratitude if the case was won.

Thu repeatedly demanded a total of 2.5 billion VND, instructing the plaintiff to claim it was a loan that had been repaid if questioned. Thu continued to pressure the plaintiff with calls, warning of further delays if the money wasn't paid.

On 19/10/2021, Thu provided a bank account number for the transfer. The plaintiff's son borrowed one billion VND and transferred it to Thu's account.

After receiving the initial payment, in early 2/2022, Thu ruled in favor of the plaintiff in the first case concerning land lease, overturning the administrative decisions. Over a week later, Thu demanded more money. The plaintiff borrowed and transferred another one billion VND.

In 4/2022, Thu presided over the second case, involving the issuance of a land use rights certificate. The court ruled in the plaintiff's favor, invalidating the certificate issued by the provincial People's Committee to a company.

Both verdicts were appealed by the defendants or related parties to the High People's Court in Ho Chi Minh City.

While the High People's Court reviewed the cases, Thu demanded an additional 500 million VND, which the plaintiff again borrowed.

The High People's Court overturned both rulings, citing incomplete reviews and unclear assessments of land-related assets. The cases were returned to the Kien Giang Provincial People's Court for retrial, with some claims dismissed entirely.

In 4/2024, the plaintiff filed a complaint against Thu with the Supreme People's Procuracy's investigative agency. Due to their cooperation, the plaintiff was not prosecuted.

The Kien Giang Provincial Party Committee's Inspection Commission concluded that Thu, in her capacity as Chief Administrative Judge, had leaked information about the case outcomes before the trials. Thu's interactions and financial transactions with the plaintiff violated administrative procedural law and the Code of Conduct for Judges. Thu was also found to have falsified asset and income declarations, violating anti-corruption laws.

Thu confessed to the charges, claiming the money was used for cancer treatment. In March, the Kien Giang Provincial People's Court initially sentenced her to 15 years. Thu appealed for a reduced sentence.

The High People's Court acknowledged the damage Thu's actions caused to the judicial system's reputation. While the initial sentence was appropriate, the court reduced it by 4 years due to Thu's cooperation and full repayment of the bribe.

Binh Nguyen