Xuyen Viet Oil case: High-level People’s Procuracy justifies sentences for all seven defendants
According to the High-level People’s Procuracy in HCM City, all seven defendants presented valid new mitigating circumstances, justifying lighter sentences. The court is now considering reducing penalties across the board, as proposed by the prosecutors.
An overview of the appellate hearing, which opens on May 6 (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – The High-level People's Court in Ho Chi Minh City continued the appellate hearing on May 8 for the high-profile corruption case involving the Xuyen Viet Oil Transport, Trading and Tourism Co., Ltd (Xuyen Viet Oil), with the prosecutors formally recommending sentence reductions for all seven appellants.
According to the High-level People’s Procuracy in HCM City, all seven defendants presented valid new mitigating circumstances, justifying lighter sentences. The court is now considering reducing penalties across the board, as proposed by the prosecutors.
Mai Thi Hong Hanh, Director and Chairwoman of the Board of Members of Xuyen Viet Oil, who was identified as the ringleader, had previously received a total of 30 years in prison, including 19 years for “violating regulations on state asset management, causing loss and wastefulness” and 11 years for “giving bribes.” The prosecutors are now proposing a reduction of 18-24 months for her sentence.
The prosecutors also proposed a sentence cut for Le Duc Tho, former Secretary of the Ben Tre provincial Party Committee, who was convicted of receiving bribes and abusing his position to force VietinBank’s Ben Tre branch to grant Xuyen Viet Oil a favourable credit line of 400 billion VND (15.39 million USD).
Tho was originally sentenced to 28 years in prison, including 15 years for receiving bribes and 13 years for abusing power. The prosecutors now suggest a reduction of 5-7 years, citing similar mitigating factors.
The prosecutors also proposed reduction of between 9-24 months for the remaining five defendants.
A final judgement is scheduled to be announced on t💙he morning of May ✤12./.
Legal proceedings have been launched against three more defendants when the Investigation Security Agency is expanding investigations into violations of Xuyen Viet Oil Company, Lieutenant General To An Xo, Spokesman of the Ministry of Public Security, said on April 3.
Police have charged two company directors for “giving bribes”, the latest move in the investigation of a case of "giving and receiving bribery" involving the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In Vietnam’s case, she said, President Ho Chi Minh demonstrated his strategic vision by founding the revolutionary press a century ago. The late leader understood the press's role not only as a means to reflect the country’s realities but also as a powerful tool to strengthen national unity and inspire the resistance wars and national construction process.
In recent interviews granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporters in Mexico, prominent figures reflected on the press’s legacy and its global influence.
VietnamPlus e-newspaper of the VNA clinched an A prize in the “Outstanding Press Product” category for its immersive 3D multimedia project, “Epic of Reunification,” a groundbreaking blend of storytelling and technology. The VNA won another A prize for its eye-catching exhibition booth.
Today, the press for foreign service has evolved into a distinct, irreplaceable force, bridging Vietnam with the world and portraying a nation that is stable, peace-loving, and fully integrated into the international community.
At a review conference held on June 21, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh praised the province’s scientific, coordinated, and flexible approach. He noted that the early completion reflects the strong commitment of local authorities, the business community, philanthropists, and residents in improving housing conditions for disadvantaged groups.
The VNA delegation, led by General Director Vu Viet Trang, actively participated in the event, engaging in both professional and diplomatic activities.
In the context where AI dominates and produces vast volumes of content, the only sustainable path forward for journalism is to focus on high-quality content and core values. Journalism must redefine its mission - not to report the fastest, but to provide the most profound and trustworthy value.
Granma and the VNA have great potential for cooperation, especially in sharing content regularly, so that VNA products are published on Granma platforms and vice versa, thereby helping Cuban and Vietnamese people access true information and gain a deep understanding of each other's country and people.
During his stay in China’s Guangzhou city from 1924 to 1927 to prepare for the establishment of a Communist Party to lead Vietnam’s revolution, President Ho Chi Minh founded “Thanh nien” newspaper and released its first issue on June 21, 1925.
Vietnam and Cambodia are hoped to strengthen their robust collaboration across various sectors, particularly in resolving remaining border issues to transform the border area into a zone of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
The strategic product, managed and operated by the Vietnam News Agency Digital Media Centre (VNA Media), is an official channel for popularising the Party and State’s information and documents as well as delivering mainstream and trustworthy news to both domestic and international audiences through various kinds of multimedia formats.
Since President Ho Chi Minh founded Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has become the voice of the people. During the resistance war against the colonialists, journalists took great personal risks to inspire patriotism and the will of rising up against foreign invaders.
The total investment exceeded 319 billion VND (12.2 million USD), including over 261 billion VND from the state budget and 57.5 billion VND mobilised from businesses, organisations, and individuals.
The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang is intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as part of the country’s goal of having the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning lifted.
Throughout its 80-year history, the VNA has remained at the forefront of information dissemination. It has consistently delivered timely, accurate, and objective reports on both domestic and international events, serving the Party’s leadership, the State’s management, and the public’s demand for official news.
With strong support from local authorities, businesses, organisations, and residents, the province has successfully built or repaired 10,707 homes for disadvantaged households, including war veterans, families of martyrs, ethnic minority people, and low-income residents.
Throughout its resistance against colonialists and imperialists, Vietnam developed a revolutionary press that has served as a benchmark for just and legitimate causes worldwide.
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic is regarded as a cultural ambassador of Austria, with prestigious conductors like Mahler and Karajan who shape its legacy. Its New Year’s Concert, broadcast to over 90 countries annually, stands as a global symbol of classical music excellence.
