Former chairwoman of Quốc Cường Gia Lai receives suspended sentence

On the afternoon of April 10, after four days of trial, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court sentenced 22 defendants in the case involving the Vietnam Rubber Industry Group, Dong Nai Rubber Corporation, Ba Ria Rubber Company and related units connected to the “land plot 39-39B Ben Van Don” in Ho Chi Minh City.

Sentences and key charges

The court sentenced Nguyen Thi Nhu Loan (66, former chairwoman of Quốc Cường Gia Lai Joint Stock Company) to 1 year and 6 months in prison, suspended, for “Violation of regulations on management and use of state assets causing loss and waste.”

It sentenced Le Quang Thung (80, former acting Chairman of the Board of the Vietnam Rubber Industry Group) to 8 years in prison for “Violation of regulations on the management and use of state assets causing loss and waste,” and an additional 6 years for “Bribery,” for a total of 14 years.

Other defendants received suspended sentences ranging from 2 years to 5 years.

Court findings on the land plot and alleged wrongdoing

The court determined that the 39-39B Ben Van Don land plot (area over 6,000 square meters) is state property, assigned to the Vietnam Rubber Industry Group for management and use.

During the process of rearranging and changing the land-use purpose, although the initial policy was approved, the defendants allegedly exploited it to commit violations, transferring state assets to private individuals and causing losses of more than 542 billion VND.

Role of Le Quang Thung

In particular, the court found that Le Quang Thung, as the head, directed and personally participated in transferring the land without valuation or bidding as required, and accepted bribes to legitimize the wrongdoing.

Role of other defendants

The court said defendants Le Y Linh (former director of Viet Tin) and Dang Phuoc Dua (former chairman of Viet Tin) played active roles, colluding to facilitate the illicit transfer of the land and its subsequent transfer to Quốc Cường Gia Lai, and also engaging in bribery to achieve the objective.

Regarding Nguyen Thi Nhu Loan, the court determined that although she knew the land was government property, she still engaged in transactions and received transfers, aiding the illicit deal.

Mitigating factors and compensation

The court noted that all defendants cooperated, showed remorse, and helped investigators, and voluntarily compensated damages.

The total amount paid by the defendants exceeded 407 billion VND and 50,000 USD, with additional assets seized to recover losses.

For Nguyen Thi Nhu Loan, the court cited mitigating factors including a good background, no prior record, and active mitigation. It also considered her role in the company and contributions to the economy, employment, and social activities, and therefore granted a suspended sentence.

Indictment summary

According to the indictment, during the land arrangement and processing of the 39-39B Ben Van Don land plot, the defendants violated state asset management regulations by transferring assets without proper valuation or bidding, causing losses to the State.