On 3/2, Yen, Hai, along with Tran Van Duc (55, gas station owner), and five other individuals were prosecuted and detained by Ho Chi Minh City Police for producing and trading counterfeit goods.

Suspects in the counterfeit gasoline ring arrested. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*

Earlier, through local surveillance, economic police detected unusual signs regarding the fuel supply at Duc Loi gas station on Da Nam street (formerly District 8).

On the morning of 17/1, authorities conducted a surprise inspection, catching Duc and tanker truck driver Le Thanh Tu (40) red-handed pumping the solvent SPSOL-PEE and coloring powder into an underground tank containing A95 gasoline.

The investigative agency determined that Yen and Hai were the masterminds, organizing a sophisticated, closed-loop counterfeit production ring. This group did not just produce at one warehouse; they fragmented their operations, mixing directly at retail points to evade authorities.

Suspects with coloring agents used to produce counterfeit gasoline. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*

The counterfeiting process followed a formula: purchasing pure base gasoline, then mixing it with industrial solvents and coloring agents in a predetermined ratio. The purpose was to increase the volume of the finished gasoline to profit from price differences, while maintaining the appearance, color, and smell of genuine RON A95 gasoline.

The ring operated with two independent branches. The first was run by Yen at a depot on Nguyen Duy Trinh street. There, the group swapped and mixed solvents into tanker trucks before transporting them for distribution.

The other branch, led by Hai, specialized in supplying solvents and organizing on-site mixing. Instead of pre-mixing, this group transported chemicals directly to business locations such as Duc Loi gas station.

There, Duc, the gas station owner, colluded by allowing direct pumping of solvents and coloring agents into the underground tanks to mix with existing gasoline stock, which was then sold directly to the public.

Gas station selling counterfeit gasoline sealed. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*

Technical inspection results showed that all seized fuel failed to meet national technical standards and was not inherently gasoline. According to a specialized agency, using this type of fuel causes serious consequences for vehicles.

According to the investigative agency, industrial solvents alter the chemical composition, leading to incorrect ignition timing, reduced power, engine overheating, and damage to engine components. More dangerously, counterfeit gasoline rapidly ages rubber seals and fuel lines, easily causing fuel leaks that can lead to vehicle fires while in traffic.

Ho Chi Minh City Police are expanding the investigation to trace the origin of the solvents and related parties.