Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security said the Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Economic and Smuggling Crimes, known as C03, had initiated criminal proceedings against Deputy Health Minister Tran Van Thuan and ordered his arrest and pre-trial detention.

The action came as authorities expanded an investigation into alleged violations of accounting regulations causing serious consequences and smuggling at Viet My Healthcare Investment Joint Stock Company and related organizations and localities.

Based on findings from the expanded investigation, the Economic Police Department on September 2 issued a supplementary decision to expand the criminal case. It also initiated criminal proceedings against Thuan, ordered his detention and authorized a search over allegations of accepting a bribe.

Authorities said Thuan was accused of accepting a large sum of money in bribes, an offense stipulated under Clause 4, Article 354 of Vietnam’s Penal Code.

After receiving approval from the Supreme People’s Procuracy, the Economic Police Department carried out the procedural decisions and orders against Thuan in accordance with the law.

Investigators are continuing to determine the scale of the case as well as the roles and alleged offenses of the defendants and other individuals involved. Authorities said the investigation would be expanded to clarify the nature of the case and recover assets for the State.

What did Tran Van Thuan oversee at the Health Ministry?

Before his arrest, Thuan held responsibility for a broad range of key areas within Vietnam’s healthcare system.

Under a division of responsibilities issued by the Minister of Health in October 2025, Thuan was assigned to directly oversee medical examination and treatment; rehabilitation; medical assessment, forensic medicine and forensic psychiatry; blood transfusion safety; the development and application of new medical examination and treatment techniques; and the donation, procurement and transplantation of human tissues and organs.

He was also responsible for healthcare and medical services for senior central-level officials; medical services for major Party and State conferences; international cooperation in healthcare; the activities of the National Medical Council; and coordination with the Vietnam Red Cross Society.

The Minister of Health also assigned Thuan to participate in central steering committees and inter-agency coordinating bodies in areas under his responsibility.

Within the Ministry of Health, Thuan was assigned to oversee and direct the Department of Medical Service Administration and the Department of International Cooperation.

He was also responsible for monitoring and directing a wide range of major hospitals, including Bach Mai Hospital, Viet Duc University Hospital, E Hospital, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, National Lung Hospital, National Geriatric Hospital, National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Huu Nghi Hospital, K Hospital, Vietnam National Eye Hospital, National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, National Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology, National Hospital of Endocrinology, Central Psychiatric Hospital No. 1, Central Psychiatric Hospital No. 2, Hanoi Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital and the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, among others.

A leading oncology specialist

Professor Tran Van Thuan, PhD, was born in 1970 in Bac Ninh. An oncology specialist, he was awarded the academic title of professor in 2018 and became director of K Hospital in 2016.

He is regarded as one of Vietnam’s leading specialists in cancer prevention, research and treatment and has been credited with a number of notable oncology research achievements. He also initiated the establishment of the Bright Future Fund to support cancer patients.

In April 2020, while serving as director of K Hospital in Hanoi, Thuan was appointed Deputy Minister of Health.

From May 1 to August 10, 2023, he concurrently took charge of the management and operations of Viet Duc University Hospital in Hanoi.

In November 2024, he was appointed concurrently as chairman of the National Medical Council.

The Economic Police Department is continuing its investigation into the case and the individuals involved.

Dinh Hieu – Vo Thu