VIETNAM – A shocking scandal is rocking Vietnam's medical and legal communities as a prominent doctor faces serious allegations of accepting hundreds of millions of Vietnamese Dong in bribes to falsely diagnose criminals with severe mental illnesses, effectively allowing them to evade justice. The case has ignited public outrage and prompted calls for a thorough investigation into potential corruption at the intersection of healthcare and law enforcement.
The controversy centers on a senior physician, whose identity is being withheld pending formal charges, working at a national psychiatric institution. According to preliminary reports from the Ministry of Public Security, the doctor allegedly orchestrated a sophisticated scheme where convicted or suspected criminals would pay substantial sums of money. In return, the doctor would create fraudulent medical files, diagnosing them with conditions like schizophrenia or severe depression. These falsified records were then submitted to the courts.
Under Vietnamese law, individuals deemed mentally unfit cannot be held criminally responsible for their actions. A legitimate diagnosis can halt legal proceedings, leading to the suspension of sentences and the transfer of the individual from prison to a medical facility for compulsory treatment. Investigators suspect this legal provision was systematically exploited.
The scheme reportedly involved bribes ranging from 200 million to 500 million VND (approximately $8,000 to $20,000 USD) per case, depending on the severity of the original crime. The allegations suggest that this network may have enabled numerous individuals, including those involved in drug trafficking, organized crime, and violent assaults, to escape lengthy prison sentences.
This case has cast a harsh spotlight on potential vulnerabilities within the judicial and healthcare systems. Legal experts have expressed grave concern that such actions not only allow dangerous criminals to evade punishment but also fundamentally undermine the integrity of the justice system. "If these allegations are proven true, it represents a profound betrayal of both medical ethics and the rule of law," commented a lawyer from the Hanoi Bar Association. "It creates a dangerous loophole that erodes public trust and endangers community safety."
Authorities were reportedly alerted to the scheme after noticing a pattern of suspicious psychiatric evaluations linked to high-profile criminal cases. A special task force was established, leading to a raid on the doctor's office and home, where investigators are said to have seized incriminating documents and financial records.
The Ministry of Health has pledged full cooperation with the investigation and has announced an immediate internal review of its procedures for psychiatric evaluations for legal purposes. The case is ongoing, and investigators are reportedly working to identify all the criminals who may have benefited from the scheme, as well as any other medical staff or intermediaries who may have been involved. The public is watching closely, anticipating that the full extent of this corruption will be brought to justice.
