The scandal revolves around allegations of bribery and abuse of power in arranging flights to repatriate Vietnamese citizens during the pandemic.

Among those receiving reduced sentences were Tran Tung, former Deputy Director of the Thai Nguyen provincial Department of Foreign Affairs, whose prison term was cut to 10 years from 12, with six years for accepting bribes and four for abusing power while performing official duties.

Nguyen Van Van, former Deputy Director of the Quang Nam provincial Department of Health, saw his sentence reduced to one year and nine months from two years for bribe-taking.

Similarly, Le Ngoc Truong, former Deputy Director of the Quang Nam provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, had his sentence lowered to one year and six months from two years on the same charge.

Tran Thi Quyen, Director of the Sen Vang Dat Viet company, was sentenced to one year and six months for aiding Tung in accepting bribes.

Seven other defendants, convicted of giving bribes, received penalties ranging from two-year suspended sentences to two years and three months in prison.

The court underscored the case’s severity, describing it as an especially serious and complex instance of corruption that unfolded during a national crisis. It said the defendants’ actions had eroded public confidence, undermined the humanitarian purpose of the Government’s citizen repatriation policy, and tarnished the reputation of State agencies.

Hanoi court hands down sentences in rescue flight case

The Hanoi People's Court on December 27 sentenced 17 defendants in the second phase of the rescue flight case on charges of “giving bribes, accepting bribes, abusing positions and power while performing duties, and concealing crimes”.