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Using technology to appropriate property in Vietnam is being handled very strictly, with multiple severe penalty frameworks. Especially for foreigners, not fully understanding legal regulations may lead to more serious risks than expected. So in this situation, how many years in prison could apply, and what legal approaches are appropriate?
In recent years, acts such as online fraud, bank account hacking, identity impersonation, and similar conduct have been strictly controlled by Vietnamese authorities. Particularly for foreigners, not understanding the legal system may make the situation more serious than expected.
Many people have fallen into panic when receiving an invitation to work with the police, or worse, being temporarily detained for investigation. The first question they often ask is: “How many years in prison could I face?”
The answer is not simply a fixed number. It depends on many factors: the specific conduct, value of the appropriated property, level of organization, and your cooperation during the investigation.
Under the current Vietnamese Criminal Code:
Fraudulent appropriation of property (Article 174)
Using computer networks, telecommunications networks, or electronic means to appropriate property (Article 290)
Among these, Article 290 is most commonly applied to cybercrime.
Examples:
Creating fake websites to deceive users into transferring money
Hacking bank accounts or e-wallets
Sending emails impersonating companies to appropriate money
These acts may all lead to criminal liability, even if you did not directly commit them but only participated in part of the system.
Under Article 290:
Basic framework: from 6 months to 3 years imprisonment
With aggravating circumstances: from 2 to 7 years
More serious cases: from 7 to 15 years
Especially serious cases: from 12 to 20 years
In addition, offenders may also face:
Additional fines
Asset confiscation
Deportation (for foreigners)
It is important to understand that not everyone under investigation will receive the highest penalty. The sentence depends on how authorities evaluate the entire case.
If you or your relatives are in this situation, feeling worried is completely understandable. However, how you respond in the early stage can significantly affect the final outcome.
Many foreigners underestimate their situation, for example:
“I was just following company instructions”
“I did not directly receive the money”
“I did not know it was illegal in Vietnam”
However, under Vietnamese law:
Not knowing the law does not exclude criminal liability
Partial involvement may still be considered complicity
Without early legal support, you may face risks such as inconsistent statements, disadvantages in determining your role, and difficulty proving mitigating factors.
Especially with language barriers and legal differences, foreigners are often in a weaker position when working with authorities.
Instead of panicking or handling the situation alone, the most important thing is to have the right legal strategy from the beginning.
DEDICA Law typically applies the following steps:
1. Quick legal assessment
Identify possible charges
Analyze risk level (penalty framework)
2. Identify and strengthen mitigating factors
Limited role in the case
Cooperation with investigation
Remedy of consequences (if any)
3. Protect rights throughout proceedings
Accompany clients during meetings
Provide defense in court if necessary
Important note:
DEDICA does not make promises such as “guaranteed no imprisonment”. Instead, we focus on minimizing legal risks and protecting your rights within Vietnamese law.
You should contact a lawyer immediately when:
Receiving an invitation from the police
Being detained or held in custody
Knowing you are involved in a case (even without summons)
Being a relative of someone under investigation
Delay may cause you to lose important opportunities to protect yourself.
Are you facing a similar situation?
Do not wait until the situation becomes more serious.
Contact DEDICA Law Firm for in-depth legal advice!
📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (WhatsApp, WeChat, Zalo supported)
🕒 Working hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 – 18:00)
Contact us now to receive your first consultation with our experienced legal team.
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