Vietnam's $44M corruption trial: the high-ranking defendants

By Ngoc Thanh, Thanh Lam, Pham Du   June 24, 2025 | 03:12 am PT
Hanoi People's Court opened a 10-day trial on Tuesday against 41 defendants, including 30 high-ranking state officials involved in corruption that prosecutors say caused damage worth more than VND1.164 trillion ($44.48 million) to the state.
Vietnam's $44M corruption trial: the high-ranking defendants

Nguyen Van Hau, chairman of construction firm Phuc Son, stands before the Hanoi People's Court on June 24, 2025. Photo by Danh Lam

Prosecutors say that between 2010 and 2024, Hau spent over VND132 billion ($5 million) bribing officials in northern Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho and central Quang Ngai Provinces to win contracts in 14 multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects in the provinces.

Vietnam's $44M corruption trial: the high-ranking defendants

Hoang Thi Thuy Lan (C), former Party secretary of Vinh Phuc Province, is escorted to the trial, with a towel used to cover her handcuffs. Photo by Ngoc Thanh

Lan received the biggest bribes from Hau, totalling almost $2 million - in suitcases weighing up to 60 kilograms, according to the prosecutors.

Vietnam's $44M corruption trial: the high-ranking defendants

Dang Trung Hoanh (R), former chief of staff of Mang Thit District Party unit, Vinh Long Province, received VND810 million ($30,950) from the scheme. Photo by Ngoc Thanh

Vietnam's $44M corruption trial: the high-ranking defendants

Chu Quoc Hai (C), former deputy director of Vinh Phuc Province's Department of Natural Resources and Environment, received bribes worth VND563 million ($21,500). Photo by Ngoc Thanh

Vietnam's $44M corruption trial: the high-ranking defendants

Le Viet Chu (C), former vice chairman, former Party secretary of Quang Ngai Province, received VND6 billion ($229,270) in bribes. Photo by Ngoc Thanh

Vietnam's $44M corruption trial: the high-ranking defendants

Pham Hoang Anh, former vice secretary of Vinh Phuc Province's Party Committee, received VND853 million ($32,600) in bribes. Photo by Ngoc Thanh

Vietnam's $44M corruption trial: the high-ranking defendants

Nguyen Van Khuoc (C), former vice chairman of Vinh Phuc Province, is escorted into the courtroom. Photo by Ngoc Thanh

 
 
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