Former Vinh Phuc party chief Hoang Thi Thuy Lan appeals 14-year sentence

Former Vinh Phuc provincial Party Committee Secretary Hoang Thi Thuy Lan has appealed her 14-year prison sentence for accepting a 48 billion VND bribe from the Phuc Son Corporation.

Following the initial trial in early July, Lan and 14 others filed appeals seeking reduced sentences or a change from prison terms to suspended sentences. None proclaimed their innocence.

Among those appealing are former Phuc Son Corporation chairman Nguyen Van Hau (sentenced to a total of 30 years); Le Duy Thanh (former Vinh Phuc chairman, 12 years); Pham Hoang Anh (former Vinh Phuc Standing Deputy Party Secretary, 8 years); and Le Viet Chu (former Quang Ngai provincial Party Secretary, 7 years).

The remaining 26 defendants did not appeal, including: Pham Van Vong (former Vinh Phuc provincial Party Secretary, 3 years), Phung Quang Hung (former Vinh Phuc chairman, 3 years), and Cao Dai Nghia (former Deputy Head of the Land Price Department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2 years).

Former Vinh Phuc provincial Party Committee Secretary Hoang Thi Thuy Lan at the first-instance trial. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

The Hanoi People's Court's July 11 verdict described the case as particularly serious, causing significant losses to the State. The defendants' actions negatively impacted the investment and business environment and caused public outrage.

The verdict stated that Hau had "manipulated, corrupted, and degraded" multiple generations of leaders and officials in various localities, necessitating severe punishment despite his active efforts to remedy the consequences.

"Hau's bribery eroded morality, negatively influenced the behavior of the officials involved, and threatened the regime's existence," the verdict read.

Le Duy Thanh, former Vinh Phuc chairman, after the July 11 trial. Photo: Pham Du

The former provincial leaders were allegedly manipulated with money by Hau's corporation for personal gain. Their crimes stemmed from moral decay and self-interest.

Exploiting this, from 2008 to 2023, during the implementation of 14 projects and bidding packages in Vinh Phuc, Quang Ngai, and Phu Tho, the Phuc Son Corporation engaged in illegal activities, reaping enormous profits, undermining public trust, and causing public discontent.

Hau bribed numerous officials with over 130 billion VND to secure illegal advantages. Lan and Thanh each received nearly 50 billion VND.

Phuc Son's owner and the defendants have returned all illicit gains and damages, totaling over 1,164 billion VND. Despite this restitution, the court deemed strict sentences necessary as a deterrent.

In their final statements, the tearful officials expressed remorse for their poor legal understanding and lack of self-control, which led to the collapse of their careers and reputations, impacted their families, and eroded public trust.