Apologies to Investors
After more than a week of trial proceedings, the court allowed 50 defendants in the case of “Manipulating the Securities Market and Fraudulent Appropriation of Property” involving FLC Group to address the court before deliberations commenced on the morning of July 29th.
Mr. Trinh Van Quyet, former Chairman of FLC Group, began by sharing his entrepreneurial journey, marked by ambitious dreams of developing golf courses, resorts, real estate ventures, and even venturing into aviation. He acknowledged the successes and societal contributions of his endeavors, particularly in transforming challenging regions and providing employment opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people.
However, Mr. Quyet also admitted that in pursuit of these grand visions, he had transgressed legal boundaries, leading to the current situation. He expressed deep regret for his actions and apologized for the involvement of his trusted friends, relatives, and colleagues in the case. He pleaded with the court to consider leniency for all the defendants, allowing them to reunite with their families as soon as possible.
Mr. Quyet also apologized to the identified victims in the case and implored for their clemency towards all the accused. He recognized the magnitude of the lesson learned, one that would haunt him and the other defendants for the rest of their lives. Once again, he earnestly requested the court to consider reducing the sentences for all the defendants.
Mr. Quyet concluded by expressing his difficulty in asking for leniency for himself, given the presence of so many affected individuals at the trial. He thanked the court and the prosecutors for their attention and hoped for a fair and compassionate judgment that would allow them all a chance to rebuild their lives.
Ms. Trinh Thi Minh Hue, a former accounting staff member at FLC Group, spoke next. She expressed her deep respect and admiration for her brother, Mr. Trinh Van Quyet, and the pride he had brought to their family. She conveyed her brother’s willingness to take full responsibility for the other defendants and requested the court’s consideration in this regard.
Ms. Hue also shared her regret and remorse for the trust placed in her by many people, resulting in their signatures on various documents. She pleaded with the court to reduce the sentences for all the defendants.
Mr. Trinh Van Quyet at the trial.
Overwhelmed by the Involvement of Loved Ones
The third defendant to address the court was Ms. Trinh Thi Thuy Nga, former Deputy General Director of BOS Securities Company. Overcome with emotion, it took her about ten minutes to compose herself and speak.
Ms. Nga began by apologizing to her fellow defendants, acknowledging that their presence at the trial was due to her involvement. She pointed out the presence of her relatives, friends, colleagues, and even her husband among the defendants. Outside the courtroom, her three young children were left without parental guidance, and her father-in-law had passed away three months prior, unable to bear the shame of having his son and daughter-in-law implicated in the case.
Ms. Nga pleaded with the court to allow her to return to her children and fulfill her filial duties. She could barely contain her tears as she made her plea.
Ms. Huong Tran Kieu Dung, former Vice Chairwoman of FLC Group, also expressed her sorrow and regret during her address. She asserted that she had no intention of defrauding investors and that her violations stemmed from a lack of legal understanding.
Ms. Dung shared that her youth and career were dedicated to FLC, where she was able to utilize her strengths and passions in the real estate sector, contributing to the group’s growth and delivering benefits to society and surrounding communities. She took pride in the fact that FLC Group continued to operate with over 10,000 employees and ongoing construction projects.
Ms. Dung emphasized that her sole motivation was to provide a stable livelihood for the tens of thousands of employees who placed their trust in her. Overcome with emotion, she concluded her statement by pleading with the court to reduce the sentences for herself and her co-defendants.
