First-instance trial launched against two former NA deputies
The People’s Court of the northern province of Thai Binh on January 7 opened the first-instance trial against a case of extorting property and abusing positions and power to influence others for personal gain involving two former National Assembly deputies and three other defendants.
The two former deputies are Luu Binh Nhuong, who is also former deputy head of the Party Central Committee’s Ombudsman Commission, and Le Thanh Van. The remainders are Nguyen Van Vuong, former specialist of the Legal Department at the Presidential Office; Pham Minh Cuong, commonly known as Cuong quat, residing in Thuy Xuan commune, Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh province; and Vu Dang Phuong, residing in the district’s Thuy Truong commune.
According to an indictment, from 2020 to 2023, the five extorted property of a branch of Sao Do Group, and abused their positions and power to intervene in a civil lawsuit at the Hai Phong People's Court, and in the approval of the Que Vo III project in the northern province of Bac Ninh for illicit profit.
Based on the investigation results, according to Point a, Clause 4, Article 170, and Point a, Clause 4, Article 358 of the Penal Code, the People's Procuracy of Thai Binh prosecuted Cuong and Phuong for the charge of extorting property; Nhuong for both extorting property and ebusing positions and power to influence others for personal gain; and Van and Vuong for abusing positions and power to influence others for personal gain.
