Truong My Lan's Fraud Case Sparks Public Protests

Vietnamese real estate tycoon Truong My Lan, already sentenced to death in April for a $12.5 billion fraud case, has now received a life imprisonment sentence for additional charges of money laundering and illegal cross-border money transfers. This second trial underscores Vietnam's rigorous anti-corruption campaign, with Lan and 33 co-defendants found guilty of misappropriating approximately 30 trillion dong from investors via bond issuances and laundering assets from Saigon Commercial Bank. The case has drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally due to its scale and the severe penalties involved. Despite her convictions, Lan has expressed remorse, acknowledging the impact of her actions on tens of thousands of families. The trial has also prompted public protests from investors who lost their savings and demands for justice. Lan is appealing her initial death sentence, while outcomes for her co-defendants remain pending.