Defendants linked to the second phase of the “rescue flight” bribery scandal at the court on December 24, 2024. VNA/VNS Photo Phạm Kiên

HÀ NỘI – The High People’s Court in Hà Nội on Monday handed down its verdict in the appeal of 11 defendants linked to the second phase of the “rescue flight” bribery scandal, reducing sentences for several former provincial officials in a case that has spotlighted corruption in the country’s COVID-19 repatriation efforts.

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 Trần Tùng, former Deputy Director of the Thái Nguyên 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.

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

Similarly, Lê Ngọc Trường, former Deputy Director of the Quang Nam provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, had his sentence reduced to one year and six months from two years on the same charge.

Trần Thị Quyên, Director of the Sen Vàng Đất Việt company, was sentenced to one year and six months for aiding Tùng 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. – VNS