'Golden land' case nears verdict as former officials face sentencing over state land mismanagement

"Golden land" and the price to pay Misconduct from more than a decade ago forced former leaders who once spoke with authority to bow their heads in confession as they stood on life’s downward slope. On the night of April 10, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court courtroom lit up later than usual. After four days of continuous trial, the case related to serious violations at the 'golden land' at 39-39B Ben Van Don (Xom Chiếu ward, Ho Chi Minh City) is approaching its final steps. The glow of the moment dimmed outside; the city had long lit up, and crowds moved about. Behind the courtroom gate, a long chapter of calculations and mistakes in land management is closing with tears and regret. Among the 22 defendants, 17 are over 60, many past 70, with some reaching 80. Some are hunched, some require wheelchairs, their bodies marked by time. They were once sector leaders, managers of state-owned enterprises such as VRG (Vietnam Rubber Group), Dong Nai Rubber, Ba Ria Rubber; they also served in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the City People’s Committee. They had been closely tied to a development era, holding the power to decide the fate of vast public assets. Now, standing on the courtroom’s witness stand, they are elderly people waiting for a verdict for actions that began more than 15 years ago. Through long hours of argument, most of the once-renowned, high-flying officials grew tired and asked the court to let them sit down, as their legs could no longer support their bodies. In the spectators’ gallery, a sigh of sorrow and doubt resounded: “Then maybe they should get suspended sentences instead of prison, right?” Looking at the defendants’ list, one sees a ‘golden generation’ of the rubber industry now on the other side of life: Le Quang Thung (80), Nguyen Thanh Chau (78), Nguyen Cong Tai (74), Pham Van Hien (73). For them, the wooden chair in the detention room or the stone bench in the courtroom is equally heavy when health is exhausted. A costly lesson Seeing the elderly, frail defendants, it’s easy to feel pity. Age, illness, and fatigue are evident on every face, as if they have reached the end of a journey full of upheaval. But then, when contrasted with the figure of more than 542 billion dong in state assets lost, any softening of the heart seems to falter. The weight of that amount can shake trust, erode discipline, and leave lasting scars on social life. The story began in 2007-2009 when the 6,201.9 m2 land at 39-39B Ben Van Don, owned by the state, was allocated to VRG for arrangement and processing. Exploiting this policy, a coalition between enterprise leaders and private actors formed. Instead of conducting auctions and pricing at market value, the defendants forged to transfer this golden land to shell companies, namely Phu Viet Tin, and then sold it outright to private interests. [Image: "Golden land" and the price to pay - Photo 1.] The defendants in court At 80, standing in the dock, Thung trembled as he spoke about his responsibility. “I acknowledge that the basic consequences have been remedied. All defendants have cooperated actively. I recognize the violations. I trust Ba and Linh; on that basis the violations were created by me.” Thung’s confession bitterly acknowledges the wrong decisions made 15 years ago that dragged a raft of officials into prison. He pleaded for clemency for his colleagues, most of whom are over 60 or ill. He added, “I have 10 years of battle in the war, old age, three serious illnesses. Doctors say I will not be discharged from hospital for 30 minutes. I had a stroke, so my throat is paralyzed; if not, I could not breathe. I beg to be allowed to get treatment.” The former leader now only hopes to leave the courtroom to breathe properly. Next, defendant Dang Phuoc Dua (66) expressed sorrow and remorse for his actions that severely impacted his family and business. “During the period, my company contributed to building roads and housing for people in need…” he recalled, appealing for sympathy. With actively repaying 52.3 billion dong and 50,000 USD (more than the illicit gains), he asked for a five-year sentence to return home soon. Likewise, defendant Le Y Linh (50) acknowledged this as a “very costly lesson.” In addition to asking for mercy for others, Linh expressed concerns about business stagnation: “Confiscate all computers, tax reports, and memorabilia of the company; I request the court to authorize me to manage the company.” The plea to continue operating signals regret over a business empire tarnished by past misdeeds. When the defendants finished speaking, the chamber fell into a deep, wide silence. Seeing graying hair and learning of serious illnesses, who wouldn’t feel for them? Yet, the law does not rest on mercy alone; it must be upheld with justice. When the court left the deliberation room, a long silence blanketed the room. The question—“Is paying the price now too late?”—echoed in the minds of those present. Crimes must be punished. But the greatest price may not be the number of years in prison. It may be paying the price after a lifetime devoted to power and prestige, only to lose the halo of status in the eyes of the law and conscience. The courtroom lights finally dimmed. The defendants were led away in a transport vehicle under the night sky. Some were released on bail, but temporary freedom does not ease their minds, for ahead lies a stern judgment for misdeeds etched over more than 15 years. By: Tran Thai Nguoi lao dong 06:31 12/04/2026