Japan-Vietnam criminal investigation cooperation treaty to take effect this month

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:43 JST, August 10, 2022

A mutual legal assistance treaty between Japan and Vietnam to facilitate criminal investigations between the two countries will take effect on Aug. 31.

The accord is intended to enhance cooperation between Japanese and Vietnamese authorities, amid a rise in crimes committed by Vietnamese nationals in Japan.

Signed by representatives of both countries last November, the treaty was approved in this year’s ordinary Diet session.

After the treaty takes effect, the Japanese Justice Ministry and other investigative authorities will be able to directly ask for the cooperation of Vietnamese authorities regarding the provision of necessary evidence and materials, and interviewing relevant parties, without having to go through diplomatic channels.