According to the court's assessment, the defendants' actions were extremely serious, violating principles of fairness, transparency, and objectivity in the bidding process, and causing significant losses to the state.

The court found that all defendants were fully competent to bear criminal responsibility and had directly participated in the bidding violations. Among them, Nguyen Duy Hung played the leading role, using money to influence officials in leadership positions.

Pham Thai Ha’s actions were deemed to have seriously undermined the integrity of public service and were identified as a key factor in the losses incurred by the state. The court stated that a corresponding punishment was necessary.

Several project management board members had received proposals and created favorable conditions for the consortium led by Thuan An Group to win bids, in return for financial benefits.

The court emphasized that those in leadership roles, who instructed others to commit crimes, must receive heavier penalties compared to lower-level staff who either did not benefit or benefited marginally, and acted under orders.

The court also considered mitigating factors, including the defendants' honest confessions, remorse, clean personal backgrounds, first-time offenses, efforts to remedy the consequences, voluntary return of illicit gains, notable professional achievements, and contributions to revolutionary causes by family members.

In total, the defendants returned over 84 billion VND (approximately $3.45 million) and $10,000 in illicit gains, and paid over 70 billion VND (about $2.87 million) and $90,000 to help remedy damages from the case.

Investigators determined that Nguyen Duy Hung had paid bribes to secure favorable bidding outcomes for his company. Those who accepted money from him have since returned the funds.

During the trial, the Chairman of Thuan An Group expressed a willingness to cover any remaining compensation after other defendants completed their repayments. The court acknowledged this statement.

Sentences handed down by the court:

For violations of bidding regulations causing serious consequences:

Nguyen Duy Hung (former Chairman of Thuan An Group): 10 years 6 months
Tran Anh Quang (former CEO of Thuan An Group): 7 years
Nguyen Khac Man (former Deputy CEO of Thuan An Group): 4 years
Nguyen Ngoc Hoa (former Chairman of 168 Vietnam JSC): 3 years
Hoang Thi Le Hanh (former Head of Technical Planning, Thuan An Group): 2.5 years
Nguyen Van Thao (former Director, Bac Giang Project Management Board): 6 years
Dam Van Cuong (former Deputy Director, Bac Giang Project Management Board): 4 years 6 months
Hoang The Du (former Project Management Supervisor, Bac Giang PMB): 3 years
Nguyen Van Toan (Head of Technical, Bac Giang PMB): 2.5 years
Nguyen Duc Tuan (Project Supervisor, Bac Giang PMB): 2.5 years
Tran Viet Cuong (former Director, Tuyen Quang PMB): 5 years 6 months
Luu Xuan Hieu (former Deputy Project Director, Tuyen Quang PMB): 2 years suspended
Pham Quang Giang (former Finance Officer, Tuyen Quang PMB): 2 years suspended
Pham Hoang Tuan (former Director, Hanoi PMB): 4 years 6 months
Nguyen Chi Cuong (former Director, Hanoi PMB): 2.5 years
Pham Van Duan (former Deputy Director, Hanoi PMB): 4 years
Do Dinh Phan (former Deputy Director, Hanoi PMB): 3 years
Trinh Van Thanh (former Deputy Project Manager, Hanoi PMB): 2.5 years
Le Van Mang (former Project Manager, Hanoi PMB): 2.5 years
Nguyen Quang Huy (former Director, PMB 4, Directorate for Roads of Vietnam): 4 years
Vu Hai Tung (former Chief of Road Construction Management Sub-department): 3 years
Vo Ta Thanh (former Deputy Head, Project Dept. 3, PMB 4): 2 years suspended
Vuong Dinh Kieu (Project Manager, Ministry of Construction; former Planning Head, PMB 4): 2 years suspended
Pham Thanh Binh (former Director, Quang Ninh PMB): 4 years
Cao Ngoc Phuc (former Deputy Head, Group A Project Management, Quang Ninh PMB): 2.5 years suspended
Nguyen Van Lam (former Director, A-ETC Consultancy JSC): 2 years suspended
Bui Thanh Tuan (former Deputy Director, CFTD Innovation JSC): 2 years suspended

For abuse of position and power for personal gain:

Le O Pich (former Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, former Vice Chairman of Bac Giang Province): 3 years

Pham Thai Ha (former Deputy Chief of the Office of the National Assembly, Assistant to the NA Chairperson): 5 years 6 months

Earlier, in his final remarks, Pham Thai Ha admitted his wrongdoing. He said that during 17 months of detention, he had deeply reflected on his mistakes. He described his removal from the Communist Party, especially at a young age with strong potential and commitment to public service, as a harsh sentence and a painful lesson. He hoped his story would serve as a warning to others not to repeat his mistakes.

T. Nhung