Former Vinh Phuc Party Secretary Hoang Thuy Lan allegedly signaled for a $1 million bribe from businessman Hau "Phao," who promptly arranged the payment, according to the investigation report.

Authorities allege that after former Vinh Phuc leaders facilitated illegal land deals for Hau’s Thang Long Company - including undervalued land pricing and bypassing regulations - Hau either personally delivered or instructed subordinates to hand over bribes to Hoang Thuy Lan.

In early June 2017, Hau "Phao" reportedly met Lan in her office at the Vinh Phuc Provincial Party Committee headquarters. There, Lan allegedly hinted that Hau needed to pay to secure approval for the 188-hectare wholesale market project.

Understanding that securing the project required hefty bribes - ranging from 300 to 500 million VND per hectare - Hau instructed his sister, Nguyen Thi Hang, then the company's deputy financial director, to prepare 20 billion VND ($860,000).

Hau, accompanied by his driver Ta Minh Chinh, arrived at the Vinh Phuc Party headquarters. Following Lan’s instructions, Hau told Chinh to call Do Ngoc Quang, the then-Deputy Chief of the Provincial Party Office, and deliver the cash outside the headquarters for Lan.

On March 19, 2021, Lan allegedly contacted Hau directly at her private residence. She told him, "I need something, prepare $1 million right away," while raising her right index finger.

Understanding the request, Hau immediately instructed his sister to prepare the money. That afternoon, Hang handed $1 million in cash to Hau’s driver. Hau then called Lan via Viber, saying, "Sister, I’m coming home," before heading to her residence.

Upon arrival, Chinh waited outside while Hau entered and delivered the cash to Lan. This payment was allegedly made as Hau sought her continued support in expediting approvals for his wholesale market project.

In early 2022, Hau sought to take over a real estate project in Binh Duong commune, Vinh Tuong district - a 6-hectare housing development owned by Tuan Dat Company, managed by Nguyen Dinh Tuan. Hau also proposed expanding the project by 50 hectares.

To accelerate the approval process, Hau prepared 10 billion VND ($430,000) and had Chinh load the cash into a car before heading to the Vinh Phuc Provincial Party headquarters.

At the meeting, Hau proposed, "Let me take over Tuan Dat’s housing project since he no longer wants to continue." Lan reportedly agreed immediately.

Hau then told her, "I have a small gift for you. I’ll hand it to Mr. Quang." Lan nodded in approval, and Hau ordered Chinh to deliver the cash to Do Ngoc Quang, who passed it on to Lan.

Investigators report that Hau "Phao" distributed a total of over 132 billion VND ($5.3 million) in bribes to various officials.

Among those facing prosecution alongside Hau and Lan are:

Le Duy Thanh, former Chairman of Vinh Phuc People's Committee
Nguyen Van Khuoc, former Vice Chairman of Vinh Phuc Province
Cao Khoa, former Chairman of Quang Ngai People's Committee
Pham Van Vong, former Party Secretary of Vinh Phuc
Phung Quang Hung, former Chairman of Vinh Phuc People's Committee
Ha Hoa Binh, former Vice Chairman of Vinh Phuc People's Committee
Ngo Duc Vuong, former Party Secretary of Phu Tho
Nguyen Doan Khanh, former Chairman of Phu Tho People's Committee

This high-profile corruption case continues to unfold as authorities expand their investigation into illicit land deals and bribery within Vietnam’s real estate sector.

T. Nhung