Vietnam's Politburo pushes for lighter criminal penalties for economic, technology offences

The Politburo, Vietnam's highest decision-making body, has directed a review of the country's criminal policy aimed at reducing prison sentences for economic- and technology-related offences while expanding the use of financial penalties, as part of efforts to encourage investment and support economic growth.

The directive was included in a conclusion issued by the Politburo on June 22 and signed by Tran Cam Tu, permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat.

The conclusion outlines measures to strengthen Party leadership over crime prevention and control in the new situation, contributing to the building of a society characterized by order, safety, civility, harmony, and development.

The Politburo said criminal policy for economic and technology-related offences should be revised to "reduce custodial sentences and increase economic sanctions," while maintaining an environment conducive to investment and business activity.

At the same time, it called for tougher criminal policies and stricter penalties for environmental crimes, food safety violations and offences affecting public health.

Authorities were instructed to promptly formulate and implement a national crime prevention program for the 2026-2035 period.

The conclusion also called for a shift in law enforcement from a reactive approach to one focused on prevention and risk management.

Authorities were instructed to strengthen early prevention measures, address the root causes of crime, overhaul prison rehabilitation programs and improve vocational training, employment support and financial assistance for former inmates and recovering drug users to facilitate their reintegration into society.

The Politburo also ordered a nationwide review of criminal organizations, gangs and crime hotspots to dismantle them, while calling for tighter oversight of sectors considered vulnerable to corruption, waste and misconduct.

"Investigation, prosecution, adjudication and enforcement must be professional, modern and impartial, ensuring there are no wrongful convictions, no criminals escaping justice, and no unnecessary obstacles to investment, production and business activities," the conclusion said.

It also stressed the importance of recovering assets obtained through criminal activity.

The latest policy direction is consistent with broader reforms adopted earlier this year.

In April, the Party's Central Committee issued a resolution on strengthening anti-corruption efforts that called for violations to be handled in a timely but "humane and persuasive" manner, taking into account historical circumstances and prioritizing political, economic and social effectiveness as well as national interests.

The resolution also emphasized maximizing asset recovery, encouraging offenders to voluntarily remedy the consequences of their violations and protecting officials who pursue innovation for the public interest.

In science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, the resolution recognized that these sectors are central to Vietnam's new growth model but involve higher risks.

It called for legal reforms that would exempt individuals from criminal liability for objective risks incurred in pursuit of the public interest, while allowing reduced liability for violations committed without personal gain where damages have been remedied.

Under the resolution, civil, economic, administrative and organizational measures should be prioritized over criminal prosecution where appropriate. In cases requiring criminal proceedings, offenders would be allowed a specified period to compensate for economic losses before further legal action is considered.