How is the crime of bribery defined under Vietnamese criminal law?

You or your relative may be suspected of involvement in a bribery offense under Vietnamese criminal law, one of the offenses carrying serious legal risks. In practice, many people, especially foreigners, misunderstand the nature of this conduct due to differences in legal systems and business culture. This article will help you clearly understand how Vietnamese law defines bribery and the potential risks involved. Are you unknowingly facing a serious legal situation without realizing it?

How is bribery understood under Vietnamese criminal law?

When mentioning “bribery”, many people simply think of “receiving money to do something wrong”. However, under Vietnamese law, this conduct is defined much more specifically and strictly.

For foreigners living, working, or doing business in Vietnam, misunderstanding or lacking full knowledge of these regulations may lead to serious legal consequences.

Legal basis and concept of bribery

According to the Criminal Code 2015 (amended 2017), bribery is stipulated under Article 354.

In simple terms, bribery occurs when:

• A person holding a position or authority
• Receives or agrees to receive benefits (money, property, material or non-material benefits)
• In order to perform or not perform a task for the benefit of the bribe giver

Importantly, it is not necessary to actually receive money to be considered a crime. An agreement to receive benefits in exchange for job-related actions may already lead to criminal liability.

Elements constituting bribery

Authorities will consider several factors:

1. Subject – Who can commit this crime?

• Persons with positions or authority in:
  • State agencies
  • State-owned enterprises
  • Certain private entities (if they have decision-making power)

Foreigners are often at risk when:

• Working in companies with state involvement
• Holding managerial or approval authority

2. Conduct – Receiving benefits in various forms

Benefits may include:

• Cash, transfers, valuable gifts
• Travel, sponsorship
• Business advantages, contracts
• Even non-material benefits (opportunities, positions, privileges)

This is where many foreigners unintentionally get involved due to cultural differences in gift-giving.

3. Purpose – Exchange of benefits for actions

The key factor is:

• A link between benefits and official duties

Examples include:

• Fast-tracking applications
• Ignoring violations
• Granting unlawful licenses
• Creating advantages in bidding or business

Legal risks and solutions for foreigners

If you are invited for questioning or under investigation, the most important thing is not panic, but understanding your situation and having the right legal strategy.

Penalties

Depending on:

• Value of the bribe
• Severity
• Organized nature
• Repeat offenses

Penalties may include:

• Imprisonment from 2 years up to life imprisonment
• Fines
• Prohibition from holding positions

⚠️ Note: No lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome. Legal advice depends on actual case facts and evidence.

Common mistakes

• Thinking it is “just a gift”
• Working with authorities without a lawyer
• Trying to privately “settle” matters

Recommended approach

• Identify your legal status
• Assess the situation carefully
• Build a proper legal strategy

Role of lawyers

Cases involving foreigners are more complex due to:

• Language barriers
• Legal differences
• Psychological pressure

DEDICA Law Firm in Ho Chi Minh City has experience advising and defending foreign clients in criminal cases.

Conclusion

Bribery is a serious offense under Vietnamese law. What matters is not only what you did, but how the law interprets your actions and how you respond.

If you are facing a similar issue, contact DEDICA Law for proper legal guidance.