Vietnam plans to dole out largest rewards ever for whistleblowers Vietnam is stepping up its fight against corruption. In this picture, a senior official honors authors of new anti-corruption ideas at a joint event held by the Government Inspectorate and the World Bank in 2013. Photo credit: Noichinh.vn Vietnam is almost ready to launch a new reward program for whistleblowers, promising to pay a lot more to insiders who have taken huge risks to report on wrongdoings.  According to a new draft circular, up to VND5 billion (nearly US$235,000) and a Bravery Order shall be awarded to whistleblowers who have suffered very serious injuries as a result of denouncing major cases of corruption. Those who have died will receive the reward posthumously.  Pham Trong Dat, director of the Anti-corruption Department under Governmental Inspectorate, said the draft circular has been backed by relevant agencies and is going to be issued this week. “Reward money will come from many sources, including money seized in corruption cases, state treasury and anti-corruption fund,” he said.  Bravery Order  According to the draft circular, people eligible for the rewards include whistleblowers and those who have actively cooperated with relevant agencies in solving corruption cases and recovering embezzled money and property. Depending on how much money is involved and how badly the whistleblower has been injured for exposing a certain case, the state will grant a corresponding reward.  For instance, whistleblowers can be awarded up to VND5 billion, if the embezzled money and property exceeds 600 times of the country's monthly basic salary, which currently translates to above $32,400.   Whistleblowers in major cases with an impairment rating of at least 61 percent of the body will also receive a Bravery Order from the state. They will be awarded 60 times of the stipulated monthly basic wage at that time. The monthly basic wage is now set at VND1.15 million ($54). By Thai Son, Thanh Nien News