Alleged 'godmother' of faking mental health reports faces prosecution in Vietnam

Hanoi police have finalized an investigation into a complex corruption case involving the manipulation of psychiatric evaluations, leading to recommendations for prosecuting 57 individuals. The probe uncovered a scheme to fake mental health assessments, primarily aimed at delaying the execution of prison sentences or securing credit for mandatory treatment periods against prison terms.

At the heart of the alleged conspiracy is Nguyễn Thị Mai Anh, 47, who is accused of playing a central role in offering and brokering bribes. Her husband, Lê Văn Đông, 48, faces charges related to drug possession and facilitating drug use. The investigation also implicated numerous doctors, nurses, and staff from the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, along with officials from the prosecutor's office and police.

Investigators determined that the accused exploited ambiguities in regulations surrounding psychiatric evaluations and mandatory treatment. They allegedly fabricated symptoms such as refusing to eat, screaming, self-harm, insomnia, and nonsensical speech to falsely portray a loss of cognitive capacity at the time of evaluation. This was intended to delay legal proceedings, allow for mandatory treatment time to be counted towards prison sentences, or facilitate escape.

The investigation revealed that the perpetrators used the very facilities of the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and the Psychiatric Hospital No. 1 as operational bases, concealing their illicit activities. Authorities identified Mai Anh as allegedly bribing hospital staff monthly, on holidays, or during organized trips. She is also accused of paying bribes to influence evaluations for her husband and to secure preferential treatment, such as a private room with air conditioning for herself and her two children, along with two domestic helpers, within the hospital premises.

Furthermore, Mai Anh is accused of bribing the Northern Mountainous Region's Center for Forensic Psychiatry to produce an inaccurate assessment of Lê Văn Đông's mental state. The investigation alleges that Mai Anh offered over 1.3 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately $51,000 USD) in bribes, in addition to other gifts, as part of this elaborate scheme.