Investigators said Dao Ba Doan admitted that although numerous passages had been removed during the editing process, the published book still contained content he considered inappropriate.

According to investigators, he acknowledged that the book contained material affecting the image of national leaders, historically inaccurate details and what authorities described as incorrect assessments of the country and its leaders.

Nguyen Van Yen also acknowledged that such errors should not have appeared in a book about a Vietnamese revolutionary leader, according to investigators.

Publishing contract and funding

To publish and distribute the book, the Writers' Association Publishing House signed a publishing cooperation agreement with Nguyen Thanh Nam in January 2026.

Under the agreement, Nguyen Thanh Nam paid VND 1 billion (US$38,000) to the publishing house.

According to investigators, VND 120 million (US$4,600) was paid to the three individuals directly involved in revising the manuscript, while nearly VND 280 million (US$10,700) was allocated for printing, promotion and the book launch. More than VND 600 million ( US$23,000) remained in the publishing house's cash fund.

Dao Ba Doan told investigators he had received VND 50 million (US$1,900) from the publishing house's accountant and was informed that the payment was compensation for editing work performed outside regular working hours.

The Security Investigation Agency said it is continuing to expand the investigation to determine the responsibilities of other individuals involved.

Earlier arrests

The latest charges follow earlier arrests announced on July 2 and July 7.

Previously, the Security Investigation Agency charged and detained Nguyen Thanh Nam, born in 1961, and Tran Viet Anh, born in 1993.

Police allege that the two produced, possessed and distributed multiple video clips and the book Chuyen voi Thanh - Loi ke moi ve anh sang.

According to investigators, the materials distorted the history of Vietnam's revolutions and the policies of the Party and the State, while insulting President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap and other Party and State leaders.

Authorities said those alleged acts constitute the offense of "producing, possessing, disseminating or propagandizing information, documents or materials aimed at opposing the Socialist Republic of Vietnam" under Article 117 of the Penal Code.

The procedural decisions have been approved by the Hanoi People's Procuracy in accordance with Vietnamese law.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Twenty-three media outlets sanctioned

Separately, authorities announced administrative penalties against 23 media organizations that published articles promoting or introducing Chuyen voi Thanh.

Speaking at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's regular press briefing, Luu Dinh Phuc, director of the Press Authority, said regulators immediately instructed news organizations to review and remove the offending articles and examine internal responsibilities.

According to Phuc, the media organizations acknowledged their mistakes, recognized shortcomings in verifying information sources, removed the articles and carried out internal disciplinary reviews.

As of July 14, authorities had imposed administrative penalties on 21 media organizations, each fined VND 60 million (US$2,300) for serious violations. One organization was fined VND 5 million (US$190) for a less serious violation, while another had its operating license revoked after it had already been dissolved.

The government also instructed the supervising agencies of the media organizations to conduct formal reviews, clarify the responsibilities of the organizations and individuals involved in the editorial process, and impose disciplinary measures proportionate to the violations.

Dinh Hieu - Tien Dung - Chau An