Individuals who detect and denounce corruptors may be awarded the Braveness Medal and cash bonus that is 30 times higher than the common minimum wage rate, according to a new joint circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government Inspectorate.

Other forms of rewards for corruption denouncers include certificates of merit granted by the Prime Minister, ministries and agencies, plus a cash bonus.

Specifically, those who are presented the Braveness Medal will receive cash bonus that is 30 times higher than the minimum salary. The bonus will be 20 times higher the minimum salary for those who receive the Prime Minister’s certificate of merit; 10 times over the minimum salary for those with certificates of merit granted by ministries and local governments, etc.

The Braveness Medal is presented to individuals who meet the following criteria: being unafraid of sacrificing themselves, material and spiritual interests of themselves and their families to denounce corruption; enthusiastically cooperating with relevant agencies to detect and prevent serious corruption activities; those who sacrifice their lives or are injured seriously (disability measured of over 60 percent) owning denouncing and preventing corruption, etc.

The Prime Minister’s certificates of merit are granted to individuals who are brave to denounce corruption and cooperate with relevant bodies to detect and prevent corruption activities, in which revoked assets are worth from VND200 to VND500 million ($10,000-25,000); in the cases of embezzlement, abusing power to appropriate state assets or from VND50 to less than VND300 million ($2,500-15,000); in cases of bribe or those whose health is harmed (disability measured from 31-61 percent) by fighting corruption.

Certificates of merit of ministries and local governments are granted to individuals who help prevent corruption activities in which revoked assets are worth from VND20 to VND200 million ($1000-10,000); in embezzlement cases or from VND10 to VND50 million ($500-2,500) in bribe cases.

The lowest level is the Certificate of Commendation, which is granted to individuals who have achievements in fighting corruption, by grassroots agencies and those who receive it will be given a sum that is three times the minimum wage rate.

The minimum wage rate is now fixed at VND830,000/month ($40).

PV