According to Vietnam Television (VTV), Nguyen Thanh Nam admitted during questioning that many of the book's contents were inaccurate, expressed regret and apologized to readers.

Tran Viet Anh reportedly told investigators that the purpose of creating the content was to attract viewers, increase online engagement and maximize economic returns on digital platforms.

The Security Investigation Agency said it is continuing to expand the investigation to clarify the full scope of the alleged violations and the involvement of other individuals.

Publisher previously sanctioned

The arrests follow administrative sanctions imposed on the book's publisher.

On June 15, the Department of Publishing, Printing and Distribution, under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, fined the Writers' Association Publishing House VND100 million (about US$3,800) for publishing Talking with Thanh – A New Narrative About the Light, citing serious factual inaccuracies.

According to the penalty decision, the book contained inaccurate information and assessments regarding several historical figures and events, and used language considered inappropriate when referring to President Ho Chi Minh and several veteran Party leaders.

The publishing house was also suspended from operations for two months to review and rectify its editorial activities.

In addition, it was ordered to destroy all recalled copies of the book and surrender all unlawful profits earned from its publication.

Earlier, on June 4, the department ordered the publisher to halt distribution and recall all copies from the market. Local authorities were instructed to prevent further circulation of the book, while public libraries were requested not to make it available to readers.

Before the administrative penalty was issued, the Writers' Association Publishing House acknowledged shortcomings in its editorial and review process, accepted responsibility for the publication and apologized to readers.

The publisher said it would suspend distribution nationwide, recall all copies, review the responsibilities of relevant individuals and strengthen its editorial procedures.

FPT University accepts Nam's resignation

On the evening of July 7, FPT University announced that Nguyen Thanh Nam had submitted his resignation as Vice Chairman of the University Council for the 2022–2026 term, and that the resignation had been accepted.

The university said Nam had not been involved in its management in recent years and did not teach courses on Vietnamese history or Ho Chi Minh Thought.

FPT University also stated that it had no involvement in writing, reviewing, publishing or distributing Talking with Thanh – A New Narrative About the Light.

"The contents of the book and the author's statements are his personal views and do not represent the policies or viewpoints of the university. The university opposes those views," the statement said.

The university added that it had removed Nam's presentation on "Leadership in the Spirit of Uncle Ho – The Courage of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs", reviewed the matter internally and drawn lessons to prevent similar incidents.

It said it remains committed to complying with Vietnamese law, contributing to education and respecting the nation's historical, cultural and traditional values.

Dinh Hieu - Thai Khang - Tinh Le