The trial for the case involving the manufacturing of fake goods and the giving and receiving of bribes, linked to MediUSA company and several police, customs, and health officials, continued on the morning of 29/7 with the rebuttal phase from the Hanoi People's Procuracy (VKS).

Previously, lawyers defending two former customs officials argued that their clients received 1,5 billion VND to "guide" MediUSA company in clearing a batch of raw materials worth 20 billion VND. They claimed this was merely proper execution of public duty, not extortion, and therefore the sum was a "personal gift." According to the lawyers, officials receiving money from businesses is "wrong but not illegal."

In response, the VKS firmly stated: "This is unacceptable."

The prosecuting body highlighted that the Law on Cadres and Civil Servants and the Anti-Corruption Law strictly prohibit individuals holding positions and power from receiving any benefits from those whose work falls within their jurisdiction. This legal framework is designed to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain public trust.

The VKS argued that if officials, after completing their work, received money and claimed it was merely a "thank you" and not a crime, it would lead to dangerous consequences. Such an interpretation would allow any official to accept money from organizations or individuals whose work they handle, under the pretext of gratitude, once the task is completed.

According to the VKS, this would blur the essential boundary between performing public duty and deriving material benefits from it. This erosion of ethical lines could undermine the integrity of state management and public service.

"Therefore, the law strictly prohibits individuals holding positions and power from receiving any benefits from those whose work depends on their resolution," the prosecutor stated. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the money was given before or after the work was completed, whether the work was handled correctly or incorrectly, "and certainly does not depend on whether it is considered a thank-you or any other name," the VKS emphasized.

A representative of the Hanoi People's Procuracy at the trial. Photo: Danh Lam

How can public duty be 'impartial' yet still involve receiving money?

The VKS questioned the defense's claim of impartiality. If public duty were truly performed impartially, customs officials should have processed the company's official documents according to administrative procedures. Instead, they required individuals to "request private meetings" and bring billions of VND directly to the agency's gate before resolving issues.

MediUSA's CEO, Nguyen Dang Manh, previously testified that when a shipment encountered problems, the company sent many official letters to various agencies but received no response. This forced them to resort to the "last resort" of offering money.

The Trial Panel (HDXX) also raised a pertinent question during the questioning phase: "1,5 billion VND for a single decision cannot be considered normal."

This morning, former Deputy Customs Director Nguyen The Viet, in his self-defense, admitted that receiving money was "wrong" but asserted he did not commit the crime of receiving bribes. However, when the HDXX and the VKS asked what crime he believed he committed, neither Viet nor his lawyer could provide an answer.

According to the VKS, this lack of a clear answer further demonstrates that the prosecution's accusations are undeniable, well-founded, and convincing. Viet's claim that he received money at a different time than stated in the indictment does not alter the essence of the case, as the defendant still received the money.

'A pity for those with excellent expertise, high education'

Regarding sentencing, the VKS stated that the proposed sentences are all lower than the indictment framework. They also demonstrate leniency by not proposing additional penalties such as professional bans for a specific period.

"We deeply sympathize and feel a pity for many defendants who have high academic qualifications, excellent expertise, and were trained in excellent environments like the University of Pharmacy, Military Medical Academy," the VKS representative said. They expressed hope that after serving their sentences, these individuals will have the opportunity to continue using their knowledge and skills to work and find honest employment.

The defendants in court. Photo: Danh Lam

For MediUSA CEO Nguyen Dang Manh, who requested immunity from prosecution for bribery due to his proactive reporting before the investigative agency intervened, the VKS clarified that the law only stipulates this as a circumstance that "may" be considered for immunity, not automatically granted.

The VKS stated that Manh engaged in long-term bribery involving many officials from the police, health, and customs sectors to conceal the act of manufacturing fake goods. This was not an isolated incident but a pattern of behavior.

Therefore, his act of bribery negatively impacted state management, eroded public trust, and facilitated other criminal acts. The widespread nature of the bribery had significant detrimental effects.

The VKS maintained its indictment but acknowledged Manh's sincerity, thus proposing a sentence of two years in prison for bribery, the lowest within the indictment framework.

In their final statements, most defendants broke down in tears, expressing remorse, regret, longing for their families, admitting their mistakes, and hoping the Trial Panel would grant them another chance.

The court will announce the verdict on the afternoon of 31/7.

Thanh Lam