The Hanoi Police Department has concluded its investigation and recommended prosecution against a couple involved in a significant case at the Central Mental Health Institute and several localities. The couple, along with dozens of other defendants, is facing charges related to bribery, abuse of power, and drug offenses.

Nguyễn Thị Mai Anh, born in 1979 and with a criminal history of seven previous convictions, is identified as the main perpetrator. Her husband, Lê Văn Đông, born in 1978, also has a lengthy criminal record with 13 prior convictions. Both are accused of leveraging their positions to manipulate the mental health assessment process.

According to the investigation, Mai Anh and Đông exploited the lack of stringent regulations surrounding mandatory mental health evaluations. They allegedly feigned severe psychological symptoms—such as self-harm and delusions—to receive diagnoses that would allow them to evade legal consequences and delay their sentences. This manipulation not only undermined the integrity of the mental health system but also facilitated their continued criminal activities.

The couple reportedly utilized the facilities of the Central Mental Health Institute as a base for their illicit activities, even engaging in drug use within the premises. Their actions reflect a sophisticated and deceitful approach to circumventing the law.

Since 2021, Mai Anh has been implicated in organizing and financing vacations for staff at the institute, further entrenching her influence within the institution. Despite facing multiple charges over the years, she has shown no remorse and has continued her illegal activities.

In terms of bribery, it is alleged that Mai Anh paid off staff at the institute regularly, especially during holidays, to secure favorable treatment and facilitate her escape from the facility. The total amount of bribes she is accused of giving exceeds 1.3 billion VND, not including various gifts to officials.

Additionally, she is charged with brokering bribes for others seeking to alter their mental health evaluations, with total bribes exceeding 3.8 billion VND and personal profits nearing 3.2 billion VND from these illegal activities.