Vietnam proposes up to three‑year suspension of prosecution for certain economic crimes

The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security has drafted a amendment to the Penal Code that would permit a temporary suspension of criminal prosecution for up to three years for selected offences listed in Chapter XVIII concerning economic management. The measure applies when the violation caused economic loss but serves a development purpose, involves no corruption, and the offending party can remediate the damage within a feasible plan. The suspension period (up to two years, extendable by one year) would not count toward the statute of limitations.

At the same time, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee is reviewing a comprehensive draft of a new Criminal Procedure Code. The proposal seeks to create a modern, democratic, transparent, and digitised criminal justice system, enhance international cooperation, and ensure that procedures protect human rights while remaining effective and efficient. Both initiatives are presented as ways to implement Party directives, encourage offenders to remediate harms, and improve the overall legal framework in Vietnam.