Hanoi City Police announced on the afternoon of 6/4 that 26 additional individuals have been prosecuted in connection with a major case at the Central Psychiatric Forensic Institute in Hanoi and Thanh Hoa, bringing the total number of defendants to 66. Among those recently arrested is Ngo Van Vinh, who served as the institute's director from 2013 to 2023.

The investigation revealed a widespread scheme involving a significant number of personnel. Currently, 43 individuals who worked at the Central Psychiatric Forensic Institute have been charged, including 4 former leaders, 29 officers and nurses, and 4 security guards. Additionally, two people from the Bien Hoa Central Psychiatric Forensic Institute and 4 judicial officers (from the police and People's Procuracy) are also implicated.

The 66 individuals are under investigation for 8 serious crimes: illegal drug possession, organizing illegal drug use, bribery, accepting bribes, brokering bribes, abusing power while on duty, falsifying case files, and gambling. This widespread nature highlights corruption and abuse of power in psychiatric management, assessment, and mandatory treatment.

Ngo Van Vinh at the investigation agency. *Photo: Police provided*

Initial investigation results indicate that a group of leaders, officers, and doctors at the Central Psychiatric Forensic Institute and related units exploited policies designed to reduce or exempt criminal responsibility for individuals with mental illness. They allegedly colluded to fabricate psychiatric assessment conclusions, enabling offenders to "not face criminal charges and not serve sentences."

Investigators are actively reviewing nearly 1,300 suspicious psychiatric assessment records nationwide. This review has already uncovered numerous cases with falsified assessment conclusions. Authorities stated their intention to "return offenders to their proper place to be dealt with by law," ensuring justice for those who exploited the system.

Couple Nguyen Mai Anh and Le Van Dong. *Photo: Police provided*

The case came to light after police uncovered a syndicate responsible for manipulating psychiatric assessment conclusions. This operation was allegedly organized by Nguyen Mai Anh, 46 years old, and her husband, Le Van Dong, 47 years old. The couple is accused of "manipulating the entire Central Psychiatric Forensic Institute, from its highest leadership to its security guards, creating a closed loop for criminal activity."