Doctors face trial in case of 'transforming' psychiatric forensic institute into criminal haven

65 individuals, including doctors, medical staff, and prosecutors, are on trial today for allegedly accepting bribes from a couple with 20 prior convictions, transforming the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry into a 'drug den' and a hub for bribery.

On 28/9/2026, former Director of the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry Tran Van Truong, his wife Dang Thi Hoa, and 35 subordinates faced trial at the Hanoi People's Court on charges of accepting bribes.

The remaining 30 defendants are indicted for abusing their positions and power while on duty. Among them are Duong Thi Hoa, a former prosecutor from the former Thanh Xuan District People's Procuracy, and Pham Minh Tuan, a former investigator with the Hanoi Police.

Separately, Le Van Thuong, a former officer of the Hanoi Police Department's Drug Crime Investigation Division, faces charges of giving bribes and falsifying case files.

Over 60 individuals with related rights and obligations have been summoned by the court, and over 40 lawyers have registered to defend the defendants.

The actions of most defendants were influenced by Nguyen Thi Mai Anh and Le Van Dong, a couple with a combined 20 prior convictions.

During her mandatory treatment at the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry in 2016 and 2020, Mai Anh allegedly escaped the facility multiple times to commit further crimes. She is accused of providing money and sponsoring trips and vacations for leaders, doctors, and medical staff to gain 'free rein'.

Mai Anh was provided a private treatment room equipped with air conditioning and a refrigerator, where she resided with her husband, two young children, and a domestic helper.

The group of defendants, comprising doctors and nurses, is accused of receiving daily payments ranging from one to 10 million VND to overlook or act as 'insiders' for Mai Anh and her husband during inspections.

Mai Anh and Le Van Dong. Photo: Police provided

Drug-fueled parties, gambling

On the evening of 7/6/2025, at Sam Son beach, police caught Dong organizing illegal drug use. Among those participating in the drug-fueled party was nurse Tran Quoc An.

The investigation revealed that nurse Nguyen Van Quang repeatedly participated in international football betting, with transaction amounts reaching 10 million VND per match. Quang is indicted today for accepting bribes and gambling.

The core of the case involves falsifying case files, transforming dangerous criminals into psychiatric 'patients'.

The Procuracy determined that defendants who committed dangerous crimes in drug, murder, and fraud cases spent hundreds of millions to billions of VND to 'buy' psychiatric evaluations, gain admission to the institute for 'treatment', and still have this time deducted from their prison sentences.

Director Truong is held responsible for accepting over 8 billion VND in bribes, personally profiting 6,86 billion VND. Other institute officials also received money to fabricate additional symptoms for 'patients'.

The indictment states that Mai Anh also interfered in the institute's internal affairs, ensuring that staff closely associated with her were included in leadership planning for departments, allowed to participate in professional training courses, and transferred to positions convenient for assisting her.

During a search of Director Truong's residence, investigators seized a carton containing over 4,5 billion VND in cash, five savings books worth 3,412 billion VND, six savings books worth 55,294 USD, and eight land use rights certificates.