‘Too expensive a price,’ Truong My Lan says in tears in final court statement

In her final statement at the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City, property tycoon Truong My Lan tearfully expressed regret over the consequences of her actions, acknowledging the profound impact they have had on tens of thousands of families. Facing a life sentence for multiple charges, including fraudulent asset appropriation and money laundering, Lan reflected on the personal and professional price she has paid, calling it "too high."

Lan, the chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat, highlighted her aspirations for her company, including plans to develop social housing, build international hospitals, and provide education for low-income students. These ambitions remain unfulfilled, which she attributed to what she described as her "destiny" and "career accident."

While Lan maintained that she never intended to defraud anyone, she acknowledged her mistakes and asked the court for leniency, hoping that her past contributions, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, would be recognized. She referenced her efforts in securing 50 million vaccine doses for Vietnam as part of her contributions to society.

Lan also argued that she should not be solely held responsible for the crimes, suggesting that the legal charges had split her into multiple "versions" of herself. She sought reduced sentences for her co-defendants, including her husband Eric Chu, her niece Truong Hue Van, and her sister-in-law Ngo Thanh Nha, all of whom were involved in the fraudulent activities.

The court is scheduled to reconvene on October 17 for sentencing. This is Lan's second trial this year, following a previous case in April where she was sentenced to death for embezzling VND 677 trillion from Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB). She has since appealed that verdict.