Vietnam food safety ex-directors get reduced sentences on appeal

An appeals court in Hanoi has reduced the prison sentences for two former directors of Vietnam's Food Safety Authority, Nguyen Thanh Phong and Tran Viet Nga, who were convicted of accepting bribes. Phong's sentence was lowered from 20 years to 16 years and 6 months, while Nga's was reduced from 15 years to 12 years.

The court also reduced sentences for 32 other defendants in the case, with prison terms ranging from 30 months, including some suspended sentences, to 9 years and 6 months. Six defendants who did not appeal also saw their sentences shortened by 3 to 6 months.

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The appellate court recognized Phong and Nga as having the highest roles in the bribery scheme, influencing decisions on accepting money from individuals and businesses. However, it noted Nga's role was lesser than Phong's.

The appellate court recognized Phong and Nga as having the highest roles in the bribery scheme, influencing decisions on accepting money from individuals and businesses. However, it noted Nga's role was lesser than Phong's. The court expressed regret over the defendants' misconduct, especially after long careers.

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The appellate court expressed regret over the defendants' misconduct, especially after long careers.

During the appeal, defendants presented new evidence of their remorse and efforts to compensate for damages. Phong, for instance, fully compensated for his wrongdoing and voluntarily contributed 70 million Vietnamese dong to a state fund to help other defendants. Other defendants submitted documents highlighting their work achievements, revolutionary family backgrounds, and contributions to national development.

The case involved systematic bribery within the Food Safety Authority between 2018 and 2025. Officials exploited vague regulations to create a system of "asking and giving," accepting bribes for services like product registration, advertising approval, and GMP certification. The total bribes received by Phong, Nga, and their subordinates amounted to 93.7 billion Vietnamese dong for product registration and 12.7 billion dong for advertising permits, with an additional 1 billion dong related to GMP. A total of 77.4 billion dong was paid in bribes, with investigations ongoing for the remaining 27.5 billion dong.

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Phong fully compensated for his wrongdoing and voluntarily contributed 70 million Vietnamese dong to a state fund to help other defendants.