Bribery and Corruption: Unraveling the Dark Side of Business Deals
On June 24th, the Hanoi People’s Court began questioning 41 defendants involved in a case pertaining to Phuc Son Corporation and related entities. The trial unveiled a web of corruption, with the corporation’s chairman, Nguyen Van Hau, taking center stage in a bribery scandal.
Hau admitted to his elaborate scheme of “relationship-building” and bribing former officials. In Vinh Phuc, he met with ex-Party Committee Secretary Hoang Thi Thuy Lan and former Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Le Duy Thanh to discuss the merger and acquisition of enterprises and the completion of pending projects, including the “whole-trade market in Vinh Tuong.”
Hau confessed to offering bribes to both officials, with Lan receiving VND 20 billion in 2017, USD 1 million in 2021, and an additional sum in 2022, the details of which he couldn’t recall. He personally delivered the money to Lan’s residence or had his driver drop it off at the Provincial Party Committee Office, addressed to a man named Quang, who was in charge of handing it over to Lan.
In a twist, Lan also purchased land plots worth VND 34 billion from Hau, who assured the court that he respected others’ property rights and would continue to do so in the future. Hau’s bribery scheme extended to Thanh as well, with a total of VND 20 billion and USD 1.3 million exchanged.
The web of corruption spread further, with Hau admitting to bribing other officials, including Pham Hoang Anh, former Standing Vice Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee. Hau’s testimony revealed a pattern of abuse of power and a blatant disregard for ethical boundaries.
In Phu Tho, Hau’s approach differed as he believed that the project involved a spiritual site, and no “benefits” were discussed. However, during holidays, Hau visited and gifted money to the former provincial Party Committee secretaries.
In Quang Ngai, Hau disclosed an agreement with former Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Cao Khoa, promising a “kickback” of 5% of the project value after tax. Khoa directed Hau to work with Dang Van Minh, then-Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, who provided inside information and estimates to ensure Hau’s company won the bid. Hau’s company ultimately secured the project, worth VND 620 billion, and Hau delivered VND 22 billion and USD 200,000 to Minh for distribution among provincial leaders.
Significant Financial Losses for the State
The case against Hau outlined a pattern of bribery, with a total of VND 72.5 billion and USD 2.62 million exchanged with officials in Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, and Quang Ngai, as well as other individuals. His actions led to violations in project bidding processes, resulting in personal gains and significant financial losses for the state, amounting to VND 459.4 billion. Additionally, Hau concealed actual revenues, benefiting by VND 504.5 billion.
In Vinh Phuc, Hau’s manipulation of land prices caused a loss of VND 507 billion to the state. His actions in Phu Tho resulted in a loss of more than VND 55 billion, with Hau bribing former officials VND 3.8 billion. In Quang Ngai, Hau’s schemes caused a loss of VND 22 billion to the state.
Nguyen Van Hau. The mastermind behind the bribery scandal.
The Phuoc Son Group Scandal: The Fallout from ‘Pháo’ and Accomplices’ Fraudulent Scheme Causing Losses of over VND 1,168 Billion
The misconduct of Nguyen Van Hau and his accomplices has resulted in significant financial losses for the state, amounting to over VND 1,168 billion. The accused in this case will face trial on June 24th, with the hopes of bringing justice and accountability to light.
“Former Director of the An Giang Provincial Project Management Unit Sentenced: Justice Served”
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The An Giang Provincial People’s Court sentenced Nguyen Van Du, former Director of the Management Board of Investment Projects in Transport and Agricultural Construction of An Giang Province, to 5 years and 6 months in prison for “Violation of regulations on investment in construction works, causing serious consequences.”
“Fish Mogul in Deep Waters: Over $1.7 Billion in Accumulated Losses, Ex-Chairman Indicted for Embezzling $1 Billion from Major Banks”
As per the 2024 audited financial statements, the company still owes VND 440 billion to banks. Despite this, the management emphasizes that they “cannot assess the ability to pay” due to accumulated losses and negative equity.
Former Vice Secretary of Vinh Phuc Province Suffers from Breathing Difficulties, Heart Ailments; Additional Achievements Revealed.
Our esteemed legal defense team presented an impressive report on Ms. Hoang Thi Thuy Lan’s professional achievements, highlighting her dedication and contributions during her tenure. In addition, they brought attention to her health conditions, including respiratory issues, heart problems, and gastrointestinal concerns.
Today’s Trial: Hau ‘Cannon’ and the String of Former Provincial Secretaries and Chairmen
“During the Phuoc Son trial, a number of defendants were former chairpersons, secretaries, and provincial leaders from Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, and Quang Ngai.”
