Former legislators sentenced in major corruption case

Nhuong was sentenced to 13 years in prison by the Thai Binh People's Court in the northern province, comprising three years for the charge of "extorting property" and 10 years for "abusing positions and power to influence others for personal gain".

Van received a seven-year prison term and Nguyen Van Vuong, former specialist of the Legal Department at the Presidential Office, received 14 years for "abusing positions and power to influence others for personal gain".

The court's documents showed that the defendants had orchestrated various illegal activities, including the extortion of assets from Sao Do Group's branch in the northern province of Thai Binh, interference in civil court proceedings in Hai Phong City, and manipulation of project approval in Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh provinces. Those affected the social order and investment climate in the localities.

A significant portion of the case centered on the extortion of assets from Sao Do Company, which resulted in substantial financial damage.

As part of the verdict, the court ordered Nhuong to repay VND7.1 billion (US$279,600 ) to the State while Van must return VND60 million.