Vinalines Officials Get Death Sentence Upheld

Vietnam’s appeals court has upheld death sentences for the former chairman of Viet Nam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines), Duong Chi Dung, and the company's former general director, Mai Van Phuc.

The court also rejected the appeals of Tran Huu Chieu, former vice-general director of Vinalines, and Tran Hai Son, director of Vinalines Ship Repair, who were sentenced to 19 years and 22 years, respectively, on similar charges.

The original verdict in the embezzlement trial called for Dung, Phuc, Son and Chieu to pay back more than VND28 billion (US$1.33 million). The four are also required to join other defendants in the case in paying nearly VND326 billion ($15.5 million) in damages.

Vietnam News reports that before giving out the ruling, the jury said that the accused intentionally violated state regulations on investment, bidding and customs procedures through the purchase and repair of Floating Dock 83M, causing serious damage to the state budget. Those violations were said to have been aimed at appropriating $1.666 million by buying the floating dock from the Singapore-based AP company.

The jury made its decisions after considering documents provided by lawyers, the testimonies of the accused and presentations by others at the trial which began on April 24.