Former VRG Chairman Ahead of Sentencing: He Acknowledges Responsibility for Violations

After many days of trial, the criminal first-instance proceedings related to violations at the 39-39B Ben Van Don site have entered the deliberation stage. The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court is expected to issue the first-instance verdict for 22 defendants involved in the alleged wrongdoing at the “golden land” plot at 39-39B Ben Van Don, Xom Chiếu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, this afternoon.

Defendants’ final statements before the verdict

Before the court delivers its final ruling, the defendants were allowed to make final statements. Several of them expressed remorse and asked for leniency from the law.

Le Quang Thung: admits wrongdoing, cites responsibility and health

Defendant Le Quang Thung, former acting Chairman of the Board and CEO of VRG, is charged with two offenses: “Bribery” and “Violation of regulations on management and use of state assets causing loss and waste.” He admitted to the wrongdoing and said he understood the violations had caused extremely serious consequences for the state budget, totaling more than 542.7 billion VND.

Thung stated that the main damages had been mitigated and that the defendants cooperated actively. He also said he took responsibility for directing the implementation, adding that he trusted Dùa and Linh and therefore instructed the team to proceed, which he said led to the violations.

Thung asked the court to consider his health, noting he suffers from three dangerous illnesses and stroke sequelae. He also requested a five-year sentence and asked for the recovery of artifacts.

Le Y Linh: “very costly lesson,” requests return of seized items

Defendant Le Y Linh, former Director of Viet Tin Company, admitted that during the trial she understood more about the case and described it as a “very costly lesson” for herself and her family. She also requested clemency and asked for the return of seized equipment, tax reports, and mementos so she could authorize operations and maintain the business.

Dang Phuoc Dua: reimbursed more than alleged personal benefit

Defendant Dang Phuoc Dua, former Chairman of the Board of Members of Phu Viet Tin, said the violations damaged the enterprise’s reputation and caused hardship for his family. He stated that during the investigation he cooperated actively and reimbursed more money than the personal benefits he was accused of receiving.

According to the case figures cited in court, Dua is accused of benefiting more than 51.9 billion VND and has reimbursed more than 52.3 billion VND. He asked the court to sentence him to five years so he can return home to his family soon.

Procuracy position on damages and repayment

Earlier, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Procuracy stated that all damages had been voluntarily remedied by the defendants, including cases where some paid beyond their obligations and others paid voluntarily despite not benefiting from the alleged acts.

The Procuracy said the total damages were determined at over 542.7 billion VND. It proposed applying relevant provisions of the Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Civil Code to require repayment of the damages to VRG. It also said remaining funds would be confiscated and remitted to the State.