HANOI — The High People's Court in Hanoi opened the appellate trial this morning, December 18, for Nguyễn Duy Hưng, the former Chairman of Thuận An Group, and several high-profile accomplices.
The trial is drawing significant public attention as it remains one of the pivotal cases in Vietnam's ongoing "Blazing Furnace" anti-corruption campaign, specifically targeting irregularities in public investment and transport infrastructure projects.
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| Former Deputy Head of the National Assembly Office Pham Thai Ha at the first-instance trial. |
The Scene at the Courthouse
Security was tightened around the courthouse in the Cầu Giấy district early this morning. At approximately 7:30 AM, a convoy of police vehicles escorted the defendants to the holding area.
Nguyễn Duy Hưng appeared in court looking composed. Along with his legal team, Hưng is appealing the verdict from the first-instance trial, seeking a reduction in his sentence. The appeal is reportedly based on new mitigating circumstances, including the further submission of remedial capital to the state budget.
Key Focus of the Appeal: Leniency and "Remedial Consequences"
While the lower court previously found Hưng and his associates guilty of "Violating regulations on bidding causing serious consequences" and "Giving/Receiving bribes" related to major bridge and road projects, today’s proceedings focus heavily on the defendants' efforts to correct their wrongdoings.
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| Defendant Nguyen Duy Hung at the first-instance trial. |
Legal observers note that the appellate court will likely focus on two main factors to determine if a sentence reduction is warranted:
Asset Recovery: The court will verify the total amount of money the defendants and their families have submitted to remedy the financial damage caused to the state. In recent major corruption cases, full repayment has been a key factor in escaping the harshest penalties.
Cooperation: The extent to which Hưng has honestly declared violations and cooperated with investigation agencies to clarify the flow of funds.
Background: The "Thuận An" Shadow
The Thuận An Group case shook the construction industry when it came to light. The group, under Hưng’s leadership, was accused of manipulating bidding packages for large-scale transport projects across several provinces.
The prosecution argues that through a complex network of relationships and financial "lubrication," Thuận An won lucrative contracts despite not always meeting the strict requirements, or by colluding to drive up costs.
What to Expect
The appellate trial is expected to last for several days. The judges' final ruling will send a strong signal regarding the state's stance on economic crimes: while the crackdown is severe, the door to leniency remains open for those who make substantial efforts to return illicit gains.
Updates on the questioning of Nguyễn Duy Hưng will follow as the afternoon session begins.