Alleged mastermind of Central Psychiatric Forensic Institute manipulation recommended 30-year sentence

Nguyen Thi Mai Anh, an accused with 7 prior convictions, has been recommended a 30-year prison sentence for her "sophisticated and cunning" role as the mastermind behind a long-running bribery and position-selling scheme at the Central Psychiatric Forensic Institute.

*Continuing updates

The Hanoi People's Procuracy announced the proposed sentence during its closing arguments at noon on 30/9, following two days of trial.

The alleged ringleader, Mai Anh, 47, faces three charges, with prosecutors recommending 15-16 years for giving bribes, 5-6 years for brokering bribes, and 17-18 years for fraudulent appropriation of property, totaling a 30-year prison term.

Prosecutors deemed this a particularly serious case, characterized by sophisticated and cunning tactics that spanned a long period. Mai Anh, with her 7 prior convictions, was identified as the mastermind, using money to manipulate most activities within the Central Psychiatric Forensic Institute.

Beyond brokering fake psychiatric certificates for numerous defendants, Mai Anh is accused of giving money to more than 40 leaders and staff members at the Institute to secure free movement and leave the premises at will.

Mai Anh also interfered with the Institute's recruitment activities, ensuring that close associates were hired.

During her testimony yesterday afternoon, Mai Anh was assessed as not fully cooperative, as she denied most of the accusations.

Mai Anh's husband, Le Van Dong, 48, who has 13 prior convictions, has been recommended 17-19 years in prison for two charges: organizing illegal drug use and illegal drug possession.

Another couple tried in this case includes former Institute Director Tran Van Truong, who was recommended a 20-year prison sentence for receiving bribes. His wife, Dang Thi Hoa, a staff member at the Institute, was recommended 8-9 years in prison.