Two Former Major Generals and Phuc Son Group Chairman Face Appeal Court Over Nha Trang Airport Violations

The Central Military Court recently opened a major appeal trial. The case involves severe land mismanagement at the old Nha Trang Airport. High-profile defendants now face the court to challenge their previous sentences. These individuals include top executives from the Phuc Son Group. Former military generals and local government leaders are also appearing in court. Judge and Senior Lieutenant Colonel Vu Duc Viet presides over the three-day hearing. The court will review the land violations and massive financial losses established in January.

During this process, several key figures want shorter prison terms or probation. For instance, former Major General Hoang Viet Quang filed an official appeal. He previously served as Deputy Director of the Operations Department at the Ministry of National Defense. Former Major General Nguyen Duy Cuong also appeals his current sentence. He is the former Rector of the Air Force Officer School. Furthermore, Phuc Son Group Chairman Nguyen Van Hau joined the appeal process. Nam A Investment Director Tran Huu Dinh and Phuc Son Deputy CEO Nguyen Thi Hang seek lighter sentences too.

Photo: Defendants attending the first-instance trial earlier in January 2026.

To resolve his liabilities, Chairman Nguyen Van Hau focuses his appeal on paying back damages. Hau admits his crimes openly. He states that he wants to compensate all affected parties fully. To achieve this, a prominent businessman offered a surprising solution during the first trial. This businessman is currently negotiating to buy Hau’s shares in Phuc Son Group. He plans to take over all financial liabilities personally. Therefore, Hau asked the court to allow this transition. He wants the businessman to deposit cash or use bank guarantees to pay the victims.

In another surprising development, a unique twist involves 414 property buyers. They hired dozens of lawyers to protect their rights. Surprisingly, most buyers claim they are not scam victims. They trusted official state documents when signing contracts with Phuc Son Group. They knew nothing about the underlying legal violations. Instead, the buyers insist Phuc Son Group used their money for local infrastructure. The company funded three major Build-Transfer projects in Khanh Hoa. Consequently, the buyers want the court to force Phuc Son Group to finish the paperwork. They demand their physical land plots. Any new owner of the company must fulfill these original real estate contracts.

To understand the case fully, we must look back at the roots of this land scandal. The Military Court of Military Region 5 issued the first verdict in January 2026. That ruling showed that defense officials and Khanh Hoa leaders broke legal protocols. They ignored direct orders from the Prime Minister. Consequently, they illegally handed over 62 hectares of military land to Phuc Son Group. This action caused massive losses to state assets. Chairman Nguyen Van Hau knew the project lacked legal clearance. Yet, he still signed 983 land contracts with 683 buyers. He collected over 7,000 billion VND. The company recorded nearly 6,000 billion VND in its books. Hau kept over 1,000 billion VND for personal use.

Finally, the initial court sentenced Hau to 11 years in prison. Combined with another case, his total prison term is 30 years. The court also ordered him to pay back the 7,000 billion VND. Former major generals Nguyen Duy Cuong and Hoang Viet Quang received 30 months in prison each. They violated land management laws. Several former local leaders also received prison terms. Recently, Khanh Hoa provincial leaders met with the buyers and Phuc Son Group to talk. The provincial government also contacted the Central Military Court. They requested a balanced solution to protect both state property and citizens’ rights.