Foreigners Charged with Bribery in Vietnam: What Happens?

Are you or your loved one a foreigner being summoned by the police for alleged bribery in Vietnam? Could this lead to arrest, deportation, or a travel ban? Is there any way to reduce legal risks?

These are common concerns for many foreigners when facing criminal investigations in Vietnam.

How Foreigners Are Treated for Bribery Under Vietnamese Law

When it comes to bribery, many people assume it is a common business practice in some countries. However, under Vietnamese law, bribery is considered a serious criminal offense, regardless of nationality.

So what happens if a foreigner commits bribery in Vietnam? Are they treated differently from Vietnamese citizens? And where do the real legal risks lie?

Can Foreigners Be Criminally Prosecuted in Vietnam?

The short answer is: YES.

Under the Vietnamese Criminal Code 2015 (as amended in 2017), Vietnam applies the principle that: Any criminal act committed within Vietnamese territory may be prosecuted under Vietnamese law, regardless of the offender’s nationality.

This means:

• Foreigners who give bribes in Vietnam may be investigated, prosecuted, and tried just like Vietnamese citizens
• In addition, they may face further consequences such as:
  • Deportation from Vietnam
  • Long-term entry bans
  • Negative impacts on visas, immigration status, or business operations

This is often why many foreigners feel shocked when working with Vietnamese authorities, as they may underestimate the seriousness of the situation.

Which Law Governs the Crime of Bribery?

Bribery is regulated under Article 364 of the Vietnamese Criminal Code 2015.

Depending on the value of the bribe and the nature of the offense, penalties may include:

• Fines (in less serious cases)
• Imprisonment from 6 months up to 20 years
• In particularly serious cases, even heavier penalties may apply

Additionally, the law provides that:

A person who voluntarily reports the act of bribery before it is discovered may be considered for exemption from criminal liability.

However, in practice, this provision is not automatically applied, as it depends on:

• Timing of disclosure
• Level of cooperation
• Available evidence
• Assessment by competent authorities

Many foreigners misunderstand this point and miss opportunities to mitigate their legal exposure.

Common Legal Risks and Safe Strategies for Foreigners

Not every bribery case is a clear case of intentional wrongdoing. In reality, many DEDICA clients fall into situations such as:

• Lack of understanding of Vietnamese law
• Following business practices from their home country
• Being advised or pressured by intermediaries or partners
• Becoming involved in a case without fully realizing the legal implications

Therefore, the key issue is not only whether the act is right or wrong, but how the situation is handled from the very beginning.

Common Mistakes When Dealing with Authorities

From practical experience, foreigners often make the following mistakes:

1. Attending interviews without a lawyer

Many assume: “I’m just attending a meeting. It’s not serious.”

In reality:

• Every statement can become evidence
• Language barriers (especially through interpreters) can cause misunderstandings
• You may unintentionally incriminate yourself

2. Not understanding your legal rights

Foreigners often do not realize they have the right to:

• Have a lawyer present from the early stage
• Request an interpreter
• Decline to answer questions that may be self-incriminating

3. Giving inconsistent statements

Due to stress and pressure, individuals may:

• Change their statements
• Speak emotionally
• Lose control over what has been said

This can significantly worsen the situation.

Safe Approaches When Suspected of Bribery

If you or your loved one are in this situation, the most important thing is not panic—but taking the right steps early on.

1. Stay calm and avoid assumptions

Not every case leads to:

• Arrest
• Detention
• Imprisonment

The outcome depends on many factors:

• Nature of the conduct
• Level of involvement
• Evidence
• Legal strategy

2. Work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer

Especially for foreigners, a lawyer should:

• Understand Vietnamese criminal procedures
• Have experience working with investigation authorities
• Be capable of handling cross-border legal issues

DEDICA has supported many clients in situations such as:

• Being summoned for alleged bribery
• Being prosecuted with mitigating circumstances
• Being involved as related parties in criminal cases

In many cases, early legal involvement helps:

• Guide appropriate statements
• Protect legal rights
• Significantly reduce legal risks

3. Consider mitigating factors

Under Vietnamese law, certain factors may reduce liability, such as:

• Voluntary confession
• Cooperation with authorities
• Remedying consequences

However, it is important to note:

The application of mitigating circumstances depends on the authorities and the specifics of each case.

Therefore, these should not be applied mechanically without legal advice.

When Should You Contact a Lawyer?

Many people only seek legal help when:

• They have already been prosecuted
• Or detained

However, in reality, the best time is as soon as:

• You receive a summons
• You become aware of potential involvement
• Or you sense any legal risk

Early consultation helps:

• Avoid irreversible mistakes
• Prepare an appropriate legal strategy
• Reduce psychological pressure

Final Thoughts & Recommendations from DEDICA

Bribery-related issues in Vietnam represent a serious legal risk, especially for foreigners.

However, it is important to understand:

Each case is different—there is no guaranteed outcome for all situations.

With practical experience in:

• Advising foreign-invested businesses
• Defending clients in criminal proceedings
• Supporting foreigners working with Vietnamese authorities

DEDICA understands the pressure you are facing—not only legally, but also in terms of reputation, business, and future.

Contact DEDICA Law Firm for Professional Legal Support

📞 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!