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Foreigners accused of money laundering in Vietnam often find themselves—and their families—overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty: Will I be arrested immediately? Could I go to prison? Am I allowed to leave Vietnam, or will I be banned from exiting the country?
This article helps you understand the true seriousness of money laundering accusations, the real legal risks involved, and safe ways to handle the situation from the perspective of a criminal defense lawyer in Vietnam.
In practice, DEDICA Law has advised many foreign clients who were only “invited to work with” the authorities, yet already felt immense psychological pressure upon hearing the term money laundering.
The first crucial point to understand is this: money laundering is a particularly serious crime, but being suspected does not automatically mean guilt.
Under the current Vietnamese Criminal Code, money laundering is defined as the act of legitimizing assets derived from criminal activities through actions such as:
Transferring money through multiple accounts;
Investing, contributing capital, or buying and selling assets;
Concealing the origin or true ownership of money or property.
The key element is this: investigative authorities must prove a link between the assets and a predicate (source) crime.
If this connection cannot be established, prosecution becomes significantly more difficult.
In reality, foreigners in Vietnam are often considered “high-risk subjects” when they are involved in:
Cross-border financial transactions;
Bank accounts in multiple countries;
Investment, capital contribution, or business activities in Vietnam;
Being asked to stand in as a nominee for bank accounts, companies, or e-wallets.
Many individuals have no criminal intent, yet unintentionally become part of a transaction chain involving criminal elements—leading to investigation as accomplices or related persons.
A money laundering investigation is not only a legal matter—it can severely affect personal freedom, career, and reputation.
Depending on the nature of the case, a foreigner may face:
Repeated invitations for questioning;
Passport confiscation;
An exit ban from Vietnam;
In serious cases, temporary detention for investigation purposes.
Many DEDICA Law clients initially believed they were “just explaining things,” only to discover they could not leave Vietnam for an extended period—seriously impacting their families and work abroad.
The statutory penalties for money laundering in Vietnam can include many years of imprisonment, heavy fines, and asset confiscation. However, it is important to emphasize that penalties depend on:
The individual’s role and level of involvement;
The value of the assets involved;
Whether the conduct was intentional or unintentional;
Mitigating circumstances.
Important note: No lawyer can guarantee the outcome of a criminal case in advance. Each matter must be assessed independently based on its specific facts and evidence.
This is an extremely sensitive stage that can significantly influence the direction of the case.
Out of fear, many people:
Provide explanations without fully understanding their rights and obligations;
Sign Vietnamese-language records without carefully reviewing them;
Disclose information beyond what is legally required;
Believe that “telling everything honestly” will automatically resolve the matter.
In some cases, initial statements have actually made the legal situation worse.
A lawyer is not there to “fix” a crime, but to:
Clearly explain the foreigner’s rights and obligations;
Accompany the client during sessions with investigative authorities (where legally permitted);
Manage legal risks arising from statements and submitted documents;
Develop an appropriate defense strategy from the outset.
DEDICA Law is often engaged at a very early stage—sometimes as soon as a client receives an invitation letter—to minimize long-term consequences.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” formula, but there are safe handling principles that DEDICA Law consistently applies.
A person may be classified as:
A denunciated person;
A suspect;
A related person; or
Even a victim in the case.
Correctly identifying procedural status is critical to choosing the right approach and avoiding self-incrimination.
In money laundering cases, financial evidence is central. Lawyers assist in:
Organizing transaction histories;
Explaining the lawful nature of business or investment activities;
Analyzing whether there is (or is not) any link to a predicate crime.
Many cases have been downgraded or redirected thanks to clear clarification of these factors.
Criminal investigations in Vietnam can be lengthy. Having a lawyer accompany you helps to:
Stabilize emotions and reduce stress;
Understand each procedural step;
Make informed and proactive legal decisions.
If you are a spouse, relative, or friend of a foreigner accused of money laundering, remember to:
Avoid speculation or spreading unverified information;
Not contact investigative authorities without legal advice;
Seek lawyers with real experience in criminal cases involving foreign elements.
Timely and proper intervention can make a significant difference.
DEDICA is a law firm based in Ho Chi Minh City, with a team of lawyers who have worked at international law firms and multinational corporations. We regularly:
Advise and defend foreigners under investigation or prosecution in Vietnam;
Protect the rights of foreigners who are victims in criminal cases;
Assist in working with procedural authorities through a cautious, lawful, and humane approach.
We do not promise outcomes—but we are committed to strategic, transparent, and dedicated legal companionship in every case.
📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (Available via WhatsApp, WeChat, Zalo)
🕒 Working Hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 – 18:00)
Contact us today for a free initial consultation with our experienced lawyers!
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