*Updates to follow
The indictment was announced by the Hanoi People's Procuracy on 27/6, following three days of questioning.
Nguyen Van Hau (also known as Hau "Phao"), chairman of Phuc Son Corporation, faces 17-18 years for bribery, 11-12 years for accounting violations causing serious consequences, and 15-16 years for violating bidding regulations with serious consequences. The combined sentence for all three charges is 30 years.
Two former Vinh Phuc provincial officials, former Party Secretary Hoang Thi Thuy Lan and former People's Committee Chairman Le Duy Thanh, face 14-15 years and 9-10 years respectively, both for accepting bribes.
 |
Prosecutors from the Hanoi People's Procuracy at the trial. Photo: Danh Lam |
Prosecutors from the Hanoi People's Procuracy at the trial. Photo: Danh Lam
The prosecution alleges that between 2008 and 2023, during 14 projects and bidding packages in Vinh Phuc, Quang Ngai, and Phu Tho provinces, Hau directed subordinates or colluded with other entities to violate bidding and accounting regulations.
These violations resulted in losses exceeding 1,160 billion VND.
The losses include 504.5 billion VND from accounting violations, 204 billion VND from land price reassessment, and 459 billion VND from bidding violations. Hau's actions also led to criminal and disciplinary action against numerous officials in these localities, eroding public trust and causing outrage.
Hau is also accused of using money and material benefits to collude with officials in state agencies and consulting firms in the mentioned localities. This allowed Phuc Son companies to win bids and gain illegal profits, causing significant losses to state assets.
Hau bribed leaders of the Vinh Phuc and Quang Ngai provincial Party committees, People's Committees, and departments with a total of 132 billion VND. These officials then used their positions to help Phuc Son win bids, causing further losses to state assets.
Vinh Phuc has the highest number of officials on trial in this case, with 15 individuals, including two former Party Secretaries, Hoang Thi Thuy Lan and Pham Van Vong; former permanent Deputy Secretary Pham Hoang Anh; and two former People's Committee Chairmen, Le Duy Thanh and Phung Quang Hung.
Lan and Thanh allegedly received the largest bribes, 47.9 billion VND and 49.8 billion VND respectively.
The defendants confessed to their crimes in court. Both bribe-takers and givers wept as they recounted their circumstances and expressed remorse.
The former officials claimed they were "surprised" by the large sums of money from Hau, accepting it for charity, medical treatment for spouses, retirement, cars, and land, considering it a token of gratitude, not extortion.
Hau claimed he gave the money out of compassion for poor, elderly, and disadvantaged officials, expressing gratitude for their assistance. He highlighted his financial capacity to compensate for the losses within four days and emphasized his philanthropic spirit.
Local representatives stated that despite the alleged violations, the projects completed by Phuc Son have remained functional for 10-15 years, contributing to urban development and local economic growth. They requested leniency for the former leaders.
The trial is scheduled for 11 days and is currently in its 4th day, with lawyers presenting their defenses.
Pham Du - Thanh Lam
