Stories from Hanoi · Vietnam

This admission follows previous reports regarding the use of 357 shell companies. The investigation is ongoing in Vietnam. The transactions involved more than 3.8 trillion Vietnamese dong.

Initial investigation results indicate a group led by Le Van Hien operated between 2020 and 2022. The group used 35 shell companies to issue invoices totaling 3.171 trillion VND including taxes.

Police in the Viet Thuong Ward of Hanoi discovered nearly 2 tons of cashews containing prohibited substances. The seizure occurred during an inspection of a production facility in Group 45, Ha Khau 5 neighborhood. The facility is owned by Nguyen Van Tu, according to the report. The cashews were found to contain the banned chemical Benzylamino Purine. This substance can cause acute poisoning and digestive disorders, with long-term risks of renal damage. Hanoi's cyber security and high-tech crime prevention unit received a report regarding a 16-year-old named Chau T. The report alleges the minor was communicating with an individual in an online game. The investigation is looking into potential child exploitation or human trafficking links.

Vietnam Railways is increasing service capacity for the upcoming holiday period.

Hanoi has implemented an integrated camera system utilizing 24/7 AI technology to monitor traffic conditions in real-time. The new regulations take effect on April 30. Under the new rules, trucks and pickup trucks are permitted to operate 24 hours a day. Contractual transport businesses with vehicles up to 29 seats are also allowed 24-hour operation. However, passenger buses with more than 29 seats and sleeper buses are restricted to operating outside of peak hours. Hanoi has deployed new traffic robots at key intersections in the city center starting May 1st. These robots are tasked with managing traffic, interacting with non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians, guiding directions, and supporting police officers in a human-robot collaboration model.

A union canteen in Hanoi, Vietnam, provides workers with a diverse menu including bun, banh mi, soft drinks, milk tea, and fruit juices. All items are sold at a 50 percent subsidy to support laborers, according to Ngô Ngọc Vinh, the company's union chairman.

The council's formation was announced during a conference led by the General Secretary.

The law consists of 8 chapters and 40 articles. It regulates deposit insurance activities, the rights and obligations of insured depositors, participating organizations, deposit insurance organizations, and state management. The 2025 Deposit Insurance Law and the 2025 Judicial Expertise Law entered into effect on Friday. The 2025 Judicial Expertise Law has added several prohibited acts, including the refusal to accept or perform judicial expertise without a legitimate reason. 111, enacted on December 10, 2025, became effective on May 1, 2026. The law is described as a major policy impacting the safety of the banking and financial system. Women participating in social insurance will pay 22% of their salary as a base for social, occupational, and health insurance. For voluntary insurance, individuals pay 22% of their income for voluntary insurance, contributing to the fund and pension.

The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that total costs for occupational accidents and property damage in 2025 reached 14,068 billion VND. The report noted an increase in occupational accidents among workers without formal labor contracts. These costs include accidents occurring while employees are traveling between their residence and workplace at the request of employers. The Ministry of Public Security's Traffic Police Department reported 37 traffic accidents occurred across Vietnam on the first day of the four-day holiday period. The accidents resulted in 18 deaths and 22 injuries. The holiday period spans April 30 to May 1. This figure represents a 4.29% increase compared to 2024. This follows Directive 58 of the Secretariat regarding labor and trade union laws.

Vietnam's Minister of Defense chaired a working conference with the General Staff of the People's Army of Vietnam. Discussions are expected to focus on bilateral cooperation and economic development. In Vietnam, Takaiichi aims to advance a comprehensive strategic partnership focusing on energy and critical minerals. Vietnam currently serves as Japan's second largest supplier of rare earth minerals following China. The visit also seeks to enhance cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and space. Takaiichi intends to advocate for a free and open Indo-Pacific to bolster supply chains and energy security. Prime Minister Le Minh Huong chaired a national conference in late April regarding the acceleration of public investment capital allocation and disbursement for 2026.