Ho Chi Minh City police have detained eight individuals, including Nguyen Van Phong, Tran Thi Van Phuoc (Director of Khanh Ngoc SG Production and Trading Company), and Nguyen Phi Long (Director of Dai Loc Phat Food Co., Ltd.), for producing and trading counterfeit food products. The arrests took place on 16/1.

Police initiated legal proceedings against 8 individuals in the ring. *Ho Chi Minh City Police*

This action coincides with the Ho Chi Minh City Police's intensified crime crackdown campaign for the Binh Ngo Lunar New Year 2026 and efforts to achieve accomplishments in celebration of the National Party Congress.

According to investigators, a large-scale ring producing and trading counterfeit food products was uncovered after a period of surveillance. The illicit operation involved numerous individuals and multiple locations, with products distributed to restaurants and eateries in Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces.

Police established a special task force, deploying multiple teams to simultaneously inspect and search facilities involved in the production and sale of counterfeit food. These locations included communes in former Hoc Mon district (Ba Diem, Xuan Thoi Thuong), a ward in former Binh Tan district (Binh Tri Dong), cold storage facilities, and restaurants across Ho Chi Minh City. Distribution extended to provinces such as Lam Dong, Dong Nai, and Dak Lak.

The special task force seized numerous exhibits. Phong, Phuoc, and Long were identified as the main individuals leading this criminal enterprise.

The warehouse of counterfeit meat during the police inspection. *Ho Chi Minh City Police*

Investigators determined that from late 2024 to the present, the group produced and distributed over 50 tons of counterfeit food products. Their method involved using pork as the raw material, which was then subjected to various processing stages to 'transform' it into high-end meats like ostrich, goat, Australian goat shank, sliced porcupine meat, and deer meat.

With over 50 tons of counterfeit goods sold, the special task force estimated the group illegally profited billions of dong. If calculated at the value of genuine products, this amount of food is equivalent to approximately 10 billion dong.

Authorities assessed the group's actions as particularly dangerous. This scheme not only caused public outrage and harmed the business environment but also posed a direct risk to consumer health.

Counterfeit goat meat products made from pork. *Ho Chi Minh City Police*

Ho Chi Minh City Police advised residents to pay close attention to quality and only consume food products with clear origins. Furthermore, businesses should proactively register trademarks, apply technology for product authentication, and commit to not facilitating counterfeit or unverified goods.

Police are expanding the investigation to track down remaining raw material suppliers and distribution points for thorough handling.

Quoc Thang