On 26/6, during the lawyer questioning phase, former Phuc Son chairman Nguyen Van Hau (Hau "Phao") presented three points, all related to mitigating circumstances. Hau is the only defendant charged with three counts: bribery, accounting violations causing serious consequences, and bidding violations causing serious consequences.

Hau affirmed his "deep understanding" of his actions three times. He stated he had no objections to the charges and only pleaded for leniency. Having admitted to all accusations, Hau requested permission "not to answer any questions from other lawyers regarding the offenses."

Former Phuc Son Corporation Chairman Nguyen Van Hau in court. Photo: Danh Lam

Former Phuc Son Corporation Chairman Nguyen Van Hau in court. Photo: Danh Lam

The Phuc Son chairman asked the jury to consider that, during his detention, he assisted investigators in clarifying several cases monitored by the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption, although he said it was "not convenient to name them here." Hau requested to be considered for meritorious service in atoning for his crimes.

Regarding the bribery charge, Hau stated that before the case was initiated, he had filed a complaint against the recipient and proactively confessed. He therefore requested the court to consider this for exemption from criminal responsibility for the bribery charge.

Concerning the restitution plan, as previously stated, Hau maintained that 2,300 land plots, 501 SIC gold taels, and a savings book with 250 billion VND were his assets. He asserted that selling just 196 plots would suffice to cover the 1,164 billion VND in damages within a maximum of 5 days.

"The tears of the poor have always haunted me"

Beginning to cry from his first words, Hau recounted his difficult childhood, born into a poor family where "corn was breakfast and porridge was dinner." At just 11, he had to start trading. Wiping away tears, Hau stated, "The tears of the poor have always haunted me."

The Phuc Son chairman said that in his 20 years in business, he always prioritized responsibility and helping the poor. "Anyone with money likes to buy nice things. But every time I thought about buying something nice for myself, I converted the cost into how many houses for the poor I could build," Hau continued, sobbing.

Lawyer Bui Dinh Ung defending Nguyen Van Hau. Photo: Danh Lam

Lawyer Bui Dinh Ung defending Nguyen Van Hau. Photo: Danh Lam

He estimated having built over 13,000 charity houses, provided lifelong support to 10 Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, and cared for many orphans nationwide. In his hometown of Vinh Phuc, Hau said he also eradicated poverty sustainably, building over 3,000 houses for the poor.

Presiding Judge Tran Nam Ha interrupted Hau's testimony, reminding him to "be brief" as all the details had already been presented by the lawyer in the submission to the jury.

Hau then asked for leniency and concluded his statement.

"A small gift"

In previous testimonies, several former local officials stated that the Phuc Son chairman had given them money out of sympathy for their difficult circumstances. A prime example is Dang Trung Hoanh, former Chief of Office of the Mang Thit District Party Committee, the only defendant in the case tried for abusing his influence to gain illicit profits.

The Procuracy alleged that Hau, wanting Hoanh to influence higher-ups to facilitate his business, implemented social welfare activities in Vinh Long. Hoanh was chosen as the point of contact for this endeavor.

From 2017 to 2024, Hoanh allegedly requested and received a total of 75.6 billion VND from Hau for local social welfare activities. In addition, Hoanh testified to receiving a personal gift of 700 million VND from Hau.

"Why did you receive so much money from the defendant?", the presiding judge inquired. Hoanh, fiddling with his shirt cuffs, explained their long-standing acquaintance through their joint social welfare work. "Mr. Hau once visited my home and saw my difficult circumstances. Since I hadn't been corrupt or abused my authority in our work together, he said: 'I'll give you seven hundred million for your family expenses,'" Hoanh stated.

Hau confirmed giving Hoanh 700 million VND to buy a car, in addition to tens of billions of VND for local charity work. Hau did not inquire about the spending details nor require any reports. The money was used by Mang Thit district to build over 1,000 houses and over 100 km of roads for local impoverished residents.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Khoi, 74, former Director of the Hung Kings Temple historical relic site. Photo: Danh Lam

Mr. Nguyen Tien Khoi, 74, former Director of the Hung Kings Temple historical relic site. Photo: Danh Lam

In Phu Tho, Hau was accused of giving money to several provincial leaders after being facilitated in two renovation projects at the Hung Kings Temple historical relic site, including 500 million VND to Ngo Duc Vuong (Provincial Party Secretary) and 1.5 billion VND to Nguyen Doan Khanh (Provincial Chairman). Mr. Vuong was present at the trial, while Mr. Khanh was tried in absentia due to ongoing inpatient treatment.

In court, Nguyen Tien Khoi, 74, the former Director of the Hung Kings Temple historical relic site, testified that Hau, upon visiting his home and witnessing his circumstances, gave him 300 million VND, saying: "Uncle, you're about to retire, and your house is in poor condition. I'm giving you a small gift to help your family." Mr. Khoi returned the entire sum, even withdrawing an additional 20 million VND from his pension to further compensate for his offense, demonstrating remorse and sincerity.

Hau confirmed this, stating that he sympathized with Mr. Khoi's situation as an elderly, frail history teacher who was "quite incorruptible," so he offered him "a little something for his retirement."

According to the indictment, Mr. Khoi, as Director of the Hung Kings Temple historical relic site in Phu Tho province and representative of the project investor, agreed to and personally introduced Hau to Secretary Vuong and Chairman Khanh, seeking their approval and facilitation for Hau to win bids. He colluded with subordinates, enabling Phuc Son to be awarded 4 contracts and signing off on related budget approvals and procedures, resulting in a loss of 55 billion VND to the State budget.

Former Quang Ngai Provincial Party Secretary Cao Khoa also testified that Hau had "inquired after" him with 20,000 USD when his wife was hospitalized after a fall. Former Vinh Phuc Provincial Party Secretary Pham Van Vong also testified that Hau visited him and gifted him 2 billion VND while his family needed money for his wife's serious illness, and he did not refuse.

The trial is ongoing.

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