National Institute of Forensic Psychiatry corruption trial set for September 28

The Hanoi People's Court has scheduled a first-instance trial for September 28 involving 65 defendants in a major corruption and drug-related case centered at the National Institute of Forensic Psychiatry. The group of defendants includes two former directors of the institute, Tran Van Truong and Ngo Van Vinh, as well as former Deputy Director Duong Van Luong. They face various charges including bribery, abuse of power, drug possession, and gambling.

Central to the case are Nguyen Thi Mai Anh and her husband, Le Van Dong (known as Dong ‘Timo’). Mai Anh is charged with fraud, bribery, and brokering bribery, while Dong faces charges for illegal drug possession and organizing illegal drug use. Investigations revealed that the couple provided money and sponsored luxury trips and vacations for various medical leaders and doctors.

Of the 65 defendants, 48 are identified as officials, leaders, doctors, nurses, or security staff from the National Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and other psychiatric hospitals. The case also involves incidents where medical staff were caught using cannabis and other substances provided by Dong.