The appeal hearing for Duong Chi Dung, former Chairman of the Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines), and his eight co-defendants, on April 24 entered its fourth day, focusing on clarifying several new details in the case.

During the day, Dung’s alleged accomplices were questioned about their role in the case in order to make clear the losses caused by their poor management.

Representatives from the Vietnam Registry also answered queries from lawyers and the Court of Appeals on specialised issues relating to the acts of customs officials on trial.

The Hanoi People’s Court on December 16, 2013 sentenced Dung and former Vinalines General Director Mai Van Phuc to death for embezzlement. Besides, their violations of State regulations on economic management were met with 18-year jail sentences.

Eight other defendants from Vinalines, the Vietnam Registry and Van Phong Customs Office in the central province of Khanh Hoa were sentenced to prison terms ranging from four to 22 years. Nine of the defendants have appealed the Hanoi court’s verdict.

According to the indictment issued at the court, during 2007-2008, Dung and his fellow defendants violated regulations on investment, bidding and customs procedures for import and export. The malpractice caused losses of 366.9 billion VND (17.2 million USD) to the State budget.

The trial will continue on April 28.-VNA